Congratulations continued to pour in for this year’s Wimbledon champion, Simona Halep, a Romanian tennis star, with the Bishop of Huși, His Grace Ignatie, extending his praise in a social media post.
His statement comes after the Romanian Patriarch, His Beatitude Daniel, on Thursday bestowed the Church’s highest decoration on the young Romanian tennis player, during a ceremony at the Patriarchal seat in Bucharest. Before every match Halep makes the sign of the Cross, a very public confession of her faith.
‘Simona is for many young people today a symbol of diligence, perseverance and hope. We are glad to emphasise that all her achievements are the expression of talent cultivated through sustained, constant effort,’ the Patriarch of Romania said July 18.
‘Besides all these, the Church, dear Simona, greatly appreciates the fact that you profess publicly the Orthodox Christian faith through the sign of the Holy Cross, thus showing that you faithfully represent the devout, sacrificial and skilled Romanian people,’ the Patriarch added.
‘We wish you many years with good health and joy, and much help from God,’ His Beatitude said offering Simona the diploma and the Patriarchal Cross.
The Wimbledon champion thanked His Beatitude for the high distinction saying that she is honoured and very excited at the same time.
‘I always thank God for everything He gave me and for the family I grew up in,’ Simona Halep underscored.
‘I am happy to be Romanian, I am happy to be on this earth and I hope to make as many people and children happy, to inspire them to achieve what they want.’
‘Glory to the Lord and God to bless us all!’ concluded the Wimbledon champion.
Simona Halep also received from Patriarch Daniel a Centenary Edition of the Bible.
The event was attended by Halep’s parents and other close persons, as well as patriarchal counsellors, clergy, and the staff of the Patriarchal Residence.
– Photography courtesy of basilica.ro / Raluca Ene