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The article describes the ways in which the Romanian Orthodox Church (ROC) has attempted to address the discrepancy between church and state and democratic ideals since the collapse of Communism there in December 1989. The article reviews the increase in influence and power Romanian churches gained following the removal of the Communist dictatorship through promises of repentance and reparations. According to the author, the ROC has had difficulty transitioning to democratic precepts of the separation of church and state because the ROC historically identified itself as a national church with privileged status and a responsibility to the state and its citizens, as well as the totalitarian pressures exerted on the ROC during Communist rule.