Pat. of Romania Calls EP a 'Testimony to Unity'

Souirce: Basilica.ro/Mircea Florescu, Nikos Papachristou/Ecumenical Patriarchate

BUCHAREST — Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople and Pat. Daniel of Romania jointly led the consecration of the mosaic iconography at Romania's National Cathedral on Sunday, reports Orthodox Times. The ceremony commemorated the centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate and the 140th anniversary of its autocephaly, drawing hierarchs, clergy, and faithful amid celebrations of recent canonizations.

The event featured a Divine Liturgy followed by blessings of key mosaics, including those depicting Apostles Andrew and Philip. Reliquaries for newly canonized Romanian Athonite saints were also presented. In his address, Patriarch Bartholomew reflected on shared history, noting, “We rejoice over the recent canonization by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of four Romanian Athonite monks,” and gifted a pastoral staff to Daniel.

Patriarch Daniel emphasized Bartholomew's presence as a symbol of solidarity, stating, “The presence of His All-Holiness Bartholomew I... stands as a testimony of unity within Orthodoxy and of the constant support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the administrative freedom and dignity of the local Churches.” He added that Bartholomew's “love for the saints brings the Orthodox sister Churches closer together,” reciprocating with an icon of St. Bartholomew.

The patriarchs' joint efforts underscore ongoing ties between Constantinople and Bucharest, amid gratitude to supporters for completing the cathedral's extensive works since its 2018 altar consecration.

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