Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and the Romanian Patriarchate were decorated on Monday by Romanian President Nicușor Dan during a solemn ceremony at Cotroceni Palace.
His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I was awarded the Order of the Star of Romania, Grand Cross with Collar, “as a sign of high appreciation for his tireless service to the unity of the Church, interfaith dialogue, and environmental protection, as well as for his support of Romania in the relationship between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church,” according to a decree signed by President Nicușor Dan.
The Romanian Patriarchate received the Order of Cultural Merit, Grand Officer Rank, in the “Religious Affairs” category, on the occasion of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate.
The distinction was presented to His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, “as a sign of appreciation for his major contribution to the spiritual, educational, and moral life of the Romanian people, and for his outstanding services in strengthening cultural identity and national unity,” according to the same source.
An Idea That United Generations
President Nicușor Dan emphasised the importance of the recent events held in Bucharest.
“The completion and consecration of the National Cathedral represent the fulfilment of an idea that has united generations of Romanians — clergy, statesmen, and ordinary believers — who wished for Romanian Orthodoxy to have a representative church, a symbol of unity in faith and nation, and of the dignity and sovereignty of modern Romania.”
“Through the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel and His Holiness Bartholomew I, the cathedral becomes a symbol of Orthodox communion and of the spiritual affirmation of the Romanian people, serving as an invitation to unity and reconciliation, to respect for tradition and trust in the future,” President Nicușor Dan said.
A Bridge Between People
The Romanian president expressed appreciation for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit and his social engagement.
“For us, Your Holiness’s word and service are a model of dignity, balance, and fraternity — a testimony of fidelity to the values of Orthodoxy and to the Christian principles upon which Europe was built. Through ecumenical dialogue and care for the environment, through work for peace and the bringing together of people, you are a spiritual guide in a world marked by suffering and uncertainty.”
Nicușor Dan also noted that the Romanian Orthodox Church has been and continues to be a bridge between people, a moral support, and an anchor of peace and solidarity.
“This distinction marks the consecration of the National Cathedral’s frescoes and recognises the Church’s contribution to preserving and promoting the values of faith, culture, and national identity. It is also a recognition of the undeniable merits of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church.”
“In a world often marked by polarisation, the Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral becomes a space that unites and inspires — an expression of our faith, culture, and unity as a nation,” the president added.
The Church — A Space of Freedom Par Excellence
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I underlined the Church’s essential role in shaping society.
“The Church has proven to be, par excellence, the space of freedom — as a gift of divine grace — a true freedom lived and expressed as self-giving love for one’s neighbour. It has rightly been said that our churches have made a significant contribution to achieving justice in society. The needs of the times call for commitment not only to philanthropy but also to building a just society in its structures and functioning, and to promoting a culture of solidarity,” His Holiness emphasised.
The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked for the order conferred upon him, noting that it is directed toward the Ecumenical See of Constantinople, which he has served for 34 years.
A Sign of Appreciation
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said that the conferral of the Order of Cultural Merit, Grand Officer Rank — the highest distinction that can be awarded to an institution by the Romanian state — “represents an important sign of appreciation for the entire activity carried out by the Romanian Orthodox Church in promoting Christian Orthodox spiritual, cultural, and moral values.”
“In a world affected by numerous social, political, and economic crises, cooperation between the Church and state institutions — in a spirit of mutual respect and effective dialogue — is essential for strengthening social peace and solidarity among people,” His Beatitude added.
Patriarch Daniel thanked President Nicușor Dan for awarding this distinction as a sign of appreciation for the work of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the National Order of the Star of Romania, Grand Cross with Collar, in 2021, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
