Humanity in action, Baha'i and memories of Communist Romania - Naked truth Chapter 33

Queen Marie of Romania and the Threads of Faith, History, and Generosity

Queen Marie of Romania - source Wikipedia

Queen Marie of Romania and the Threads of Faith, History, and Generosity

Martha had always been fascinated by the Romanian Royal Family. But to be more precise—at 18 or 19, before the Romanian Revolution, she met Jane. First, as her private English teacher. Then, as her mentor and beloved friend . And, without a doubt, the most important influence in her life.

"I will write about Jane in my next posts," Martha whispers to an invisible friend. "You will hear about her, about the way she shaped my life and the lives of so many other students."

For now, she recalls Jane’s small room, crammed with books and symphonic vinyls. A yearly calendar always hung on the wall, one featuring the Romanian Royal Family in exile—a rare sight in communist Romania. Jane had many students, some of whom had emigrated, and it was likely one of them who had sent it to her.

That calendar sparked the first of many conversations between them—about King Ferdinand, Queen Marie, Carol I, Carmen Sylva, and the princes and princesses of Romania. It was then that Martha’s thirst for knowledge took over.

Jane recognized this immediately. In the very first recommendation letter Martha ever received—before she landed a marketing position in a social project focused on HIV/AIDS—Jane highlighted what would become one of Martha’s defining qualities: intellectual curiosity.

Curiosity became the thread running through Martha’s life, guiding her toward discoveries she had never imagined.

The Queen Who Became Romanian

In her own family, the Royal House was rarely discussed. Her father only mentioned King Michael twice, both times dismissively—once to complain about the supposed riches the King took with him when he left Romania in 1948, and once to mock his speech impediment. That was all.

At school, history lessons covered only the basics—facts, stripped of warmth or depth.

But Jane had opened another door, and Martha stepped through it willingly.

After the revolution, a flood of new books appeared—biographies, memoirs, and histories of the Romanian Royal Family. Martha collected them all, reading and rereading their pages as if piecing together a hidden legacy.

Among all the stories, Queen Marie stood out.

Married at just 18, she arrived in Romania as a foreigner but transformed into a symbol of the nation. A granddaughter of Queen Victoria, she became more than a consort—she became a protector of Romania’s independence, a voice of courage in the First World War, and a hands-on nurse tending to the wounded on the front lines. She gave strength to soldiers, comfort to the suffering, and hope to a nation ravaged by war.

She raised her daughters the same way—strong, compassionate, devoted to their people.

Martha could never understand why so few people in England knew of Queen Marie. Over the years, she had grown accustomed to blank stares when she mentioned Romania’s royal past.

Then, two years ago, in an unexpected moment of recognition, a neighbor surprised her.

“Yes, I know who Queen Marie was,” he said. “She means a lot to people of my faith.”

Martha was taken aback—until she learned that he was a Baha’i.

Suddenly, it all made sense.

A Queen’s Faith

Queen Marie was the first royal to embrace the Baha’i faith after the death of her husband, King Ferdinand.

Her words still echo with wisdom:

“The Baha’i teaching brings peace and understanding. It is like a wide embrace gathering together all those who have long searched for words of hope. It accepts all great Prophets gone before, it destroys no other creeds and leaves all doors open. Saddened by the continual strife amongst believers of many confessions and wearied of their intolerance towards each other, I discovered in the Baha’i teaching the real spirit of Christ so often denied and misunderstood: Unity instead of strife, Hope instead of condemnation, Love instead of hate, and a great reassurance for all men.”

Martha had met people of many faiths throughout her life. Some were deeply spiritual, some devout in their practices, but few truly embodied the core principles of their beliefs in every aspect of their being.

She found herself drawn to the Baha’i teachings: unity, service, kindness, and the power of community. The way faith was lived—not just spoken—reminded her of something deeply familiar.

The Language of Generosity

The more she learned, the more she saw echoes of her own upbringing.

The emphasis on sharing—especially food—was something she had known all her life.

In Romania, food was never just sustenance. It was tradition, connection, an unspoken act of care. It was baked into the rhythm of life—offerings made for the departed, shared food, cakes on Saturdays, funeral feasts, wedding tables filled with abundance, and everyday kindnesses. If you stepped into a Romanian home, you were immediately invited to the table. Whatever little was in the fridge was offered freely, without hesitation. Generosity wasn’t about wealth; it was simply who they were.

Yet, in her new country, she had rarely encountered this instinctive warmth. No criticism just an observation.

This was why, when she saw the same generosity in the Baha’i community—the natural hospitality, the open doors, the shared meals—it felt like coming home.

It was a process, this journey of learning. But Martha embraced it. She listened to Brian recite prayers, attended gatherings, and explored the core principles of the Baha’i faith:

• The Oneness of Humanity – All people are part of one family, regardless of race or nationality.

• The Oneness of Religion – All major faiths stem from the same divine truth.

• Independent Investigation of Truth – Everyone is encouraged to seek truth for themselves.

• Harmony Between Science and Religion – Faith and reason should work together, not in opposition.

• Equality of Men and Women – Both genders share equal rights and responsibilities.

• Elimination of Prejudice – Racism, sexism, and discrimination must be eradicated.

• Universal Education – Knowledge is a right for all.

• Service to Humanity – Acts of kindness and community-building are central to a meaningful life.

She wasn’t sure where this path would lead, but she knew one thing:

In a world that often felt fragmented, where traditions were fading and divisions seemed to grow, discovering a faith built on unity and generosity was a quiet, unexpected gift.

And for that, she was grateful.

Until next time, be well!

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