Patr. Daniel Discusses Religious Freedom, Ukraine War With US Diplomat

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA — Patr. Daniel of Romania met with Riley Burns, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State and Deputy Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, at the Patriarchal Residence on September 17.

The discussion addressed the complex geopolitical and religious situation in several regions, including the armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine. U.S. Ambassador to Romania Daryl Nirenberg and representatives of the Romanian Foreign Ministry and U.S. Embassy also attended the meeting.

Patr. Daniel briefed the American delegation on religious freedom in Romania, noting that Article 29 of the Romanian Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and belief. He also cited Law No. 489/2006, which recognizes the spiritual, educational, charitable, cultural, and social role of recognized religious communities.

The Romanian Primate said the Romanian Orthodox Church continually prays for peace and for a just and lasting resolution to conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. He also noted that Romania has received many Ukrainian refugees and provides them with material and spiritual assistance.

Burns thanked Patr. Daniel for the welcome and expressed admiration for the faith and traditions of the Romanian people. He also highlighted the tense geopolitical and religious circumstances confronting various regions of the world, including the war in Romania’s vicinity.

The meeting also addressed challenges affecting contemporary societies, particularly young people, including addiction, individualism, and loneliness. Patr. Daniel emphasized responsible freedom, protection of human dignity, solidarity, and dialogue among religious communities.

Previously, the UOJ reported that 2,400 Orthodox youth gathered for the final ITO 2026 Liturgy.