Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana-Silvia Țoiu, to the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, underscoring the historic ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Minister Țoiu, representing Romania at the UN in the absence of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan—who remained in Bucharest amid crucial elections in neighboring Moldova—was accompanied by Romania’s Consul General in New York, Simona Florea.
Archbishop Elpidophoros congratulated the Romanian minister on the Centennial Anniversary of the Romanian Orthodox Church. He recalled that, much like Ukraine, Romania received its autocephaly from the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1885—the Mother Church —a decision, he said, that has borne fruit in the Romanian Church’s vitality and growth over the past century.
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate never regretted that decision,” he noted. “The Church of Romania is today among the most progressive and successful churches in the Orthodox world, and its journey since being granted independence stands as an example to others.”
Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke warmly of his long acquaintance with Patriarch Daniel of Romania, whom he met on numerous occasions while accompanying Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on visits to Romania. “I had the privilege to get to know him well, as we met from the time he was Metropolitan of Iași,” the Archbishop said. “He is a wise hierarch and an intelligent leader of his Church.”
He expressed the hope that the Patriarch of Romania would, in time, also recognize the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, calling such a step a natural confirmation of the Romanian Church’s long tradition of independence and leadership in the region.
Turning to the Romanian presence in the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros praised Metropolitan Nicolae, the Romanian Orthodox hierarch in North America, describing him as “a wise shepherd with whom we have excellent cooperation.” He noted that many Romanian priests serve within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese itself. “They learn Greek quickly, they adapt, and they are deeply loved in their parishes,” he said.
For her part, Foreign Minister Țoiu emphasized the role of the Church not only as a guardian of faith but also as a bridge for understanding and unity at a time when malign actors seek to sow division. She spoke of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the United States as a center of community life: a place where families gather, where children learn their mother tongue, and where culture and faith are passed down to new generations.
She stressed the responsibility of faith communities to nurture trust where confidence in government or institutions is challenged, noting that faith leaders can play an essential role in strengthening resilience against those who seek to undermine democracy.
Throughout the meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros drew on his personal experiences in Romania—his visits to monasteries, churches, and parishes across the country during his years of service at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. He described the Romanian Church as a living testimony to the fusion of Eastern tradition and Western outlook, highlighting its global diaspora and vibrant cultural heritage.
In conclusion, Archbishop Elpidophoros congratulated Minister Țoiu for her successful representation of Romania at the UN and wished her well in her demanding mission.
Photos by Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
