Sânnicoară, Cluj County, Romania, October 16, 2025
Photo: basilica.ro
A Romanian Orthodox priest has given land inherited from his family to build the St. Christopher Pediatric Palliative Care Center in Sânnicoară, Cluj County.
The center, constructed by the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, is opening its doors today.
Fr. Emanuel Komives explained that the idea to donate the property came from his mother, Șoimița Mirela Komives. The decision was inspired by the excellent medical and spiritual care his father received during his final days at another palliative care facility run by the same archdiocese, reports the Basilica News Agency.
“That meeting with the Center Manager, Fr. Bogdan Chiorean, came at a very difficult time for me. I didn’t know then that it would turn into a lasting friendship, for which I’m grateful to the Lord,” Fr. Emanuel said.
A family decision
The priest acknowledged that while his young family could have used the land to build a house—their current apartment has become cramped since their daughter was born—he feels at peace knowing the property will serve as a place of comfort for suffering children.
He emphasized that the entire family made the decision without hesitation, praising his wife’s complete support for the donation.
Photo: basilica.ro
Addressing the difficult question of children’s suffering, the priest offered a measured reflection: “Christ is present in the heart of the suffering, not distant from it. He is there, beside the bed of the one who suffers, without trying to justify anything.”
He added: “In the face of great suffering, one must be silent. Too much talk obscures. In Nain, when Christ approached the funeral procession carrying the only child of a widowed woman, He came close to her and said only this: ‘Do not weep.’”
Services and capacity
The facility will provide medical, spiritual, psychological and social assistance to pediatric patients with progressive chronic illnesses, focusing on symptom relief and restoring joy to childhood.
“Pediatric palliative care not only looks at the patient holistically—caring for the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects—but also includes the family component, which is most often affected in a manner similar to the patient’s illness,” Fr. Emanuel explained.
Built in just two years, the new center features 19 rooms accommodating 35 children, modern treatment spaces, consultation areas and recreational facilities. It aims to become a reference center for pediatric palliative medicine in the region.
Fr. Emanuel expressed gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, calling him “a man of social projects,” as well as to His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj, who served as president of the St. Nectarie Diocesan Association that operates the Archdiocese’s two palliative care centers, and to Fr. Bogdan Chiorean, who initiated the new facility.
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