The Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Romania, PP & Il Fr Stelian Nistor, 33º, addressed the following message at the beginning of the new year:

Together we conclude the 135th year of documented existence of the RSAA in Romania. This is the year that brought Romania, by electing the Romanian Sovereign as President of the Conference of Sovereign Grand Commanders of Europe and Associated Countries for the next two years. This is the most prestigious international recognition in the history of the 135th anniversary of our Rite.

Internally, we have begun installing new Perfection Lodges, Rosicrucian Chapters and Kadosh Councils across the country. We began to reward some of the deserving. We have started to expel some of those who do not justify their honor of being members of the RSAA. We continued our social programs. We started the Masonic and Profane Training Campaign to legitimize ourselves as an elite in Freemasonry and society. We will arrange the new Temple, we will have a Hospital.

I will repeat exactly some ideas from last year's message, to check if and how much we kept our word:
”We are at the end of a year that has validated a beginning of the road: the path of dignity, honor and pride of being a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in Romania. We will go on this road, and you and I, side by side with our brothers, in the coming year. We have the chance to join the gallery of honor opened by our illustrious forerunners. We have the chance to one day become illustrious forerunners for those who will inherit from us, at the end of our work, a strong Rite, respected, admired and, why not,… envied! ”

These, not only remained words on paper but became deeds that we realize in front of our brothers from all over Romanian Freemasonry.

I believe that all members of the RSAA have equal merit and I thank each and every member of the Scottish Rite equally. I know that you know best what you have done for Rite this year, and you will stop thanking yourself for what you deserve. I believe that, if necessary, you will recover from the thanksgiving of the year for your deeds in the service of the Rite for the whole of the following year.

I had the largest turnout in history at the Odeon National Session on December 17th. In the opening, the words of the oath of allegiance to the Land of Rite were heard from hundreds of the breasts of true men: "I swear allegiance to my country, Romania! I swear to protect them and to protect them, even at the cost of my life, the Name, the People and the Tricolor Flag! ”

We will continue to serve our country by respecting and defending its laws, values and tradition. We will continue to express our compassion and charity. The rite will be strong and respected. And by respecting the Rite, each of us will be able to be respected, in Freemasonry and in society!

Happy Birthday 2017!
We are going forward!

Stelian Nistor, 33º
Sovereign Grand Commander
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Romania