Archbishop Elpidophoros Attends Romanian Patriarchate Centennial Symposium

Photo: Orthodox Observer

NEW YORK — On Monday, June 2, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America participated in a symposium titled “A Century of Patriarchate, a Legacy of Faith: The Romanian Orthodox Church through History.” The event was hosted by the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas in collaboration with the Consulate General of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York.

The program included remarks from His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, Consul General Mihaela-Simona Florea, and Romanian Cultural Institute Director Dorian Branea. The Very Reverend Daniel Ene presented an overview of the Romanian Patriarchate’s 100-year history.

Archbishop Elpidophoros offered greetings on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, praising the Romanian Church’s enduring witness. In a quote published by the Orthodox Observer, he said:

“The establishment of the Patriarchate of Romania stands as a powerful testament to a century of devotion to Christ, fidelity to Holy Tradition, martyrdom, and steadfast service to the Romanian Orthodox faithful throughout the world. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel is a most worthy successor to his distinguished predecessors, and he has consistently led the Romanian Church in positive and life-affirming pathways.”

Reflecting on the Romanian Church’s historical journey, he added:

“Today, as we reflect on this historical journey — from the granting of autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1885 to the present day — we give thanks to God for the vision and labor of your blessed ancestors. They planted the seeds of the Church in new lands, nurturing them through prayer, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to Orthodoxy. In the United States, the faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Church have established vibrant cultural centers within their parishes—beacons of tradition and spiritual sustenance for generations to come.”

The symposium concluded with an exhibition of historic photographs documenting the Romanian Orthodox Church’s path to Patriarchal status.

Previously, UOJ reported on Archbishop Elpidophoros leading seminarians and faithful to the site of the First Ecumenical Council in a historic and spiritually rich pilgrimage.

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