On Tuesday afternoon, October 28, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the Prime Minister of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, at the Prime Minister’s Palace.
During the cordial meeting, which Patriarch Daniel of Romania also attended, the two leaders discussed current issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for his friendship towards the Romanian people and for being present at such a historic moment for the Church of Romania.
In turn, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted Romania’s significant achievements over the past few decades and wished the country lasting peace and prosperity. “The prayers of the Mother Church will be with you, with His Beatitude the Patriarch, and with the people of Romania,” the Patriarch stated.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied on his visit by hierarchs and other members of his entourage, and government officials were also present at the meeting.
Earlier that morning, during a festive session of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch delivered an extensive address. Members of the Patriarchal entourage, clergy of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, and other guests attended the session. During the event, Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești presented a commemorative volume dedicated to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s eleven visits to Romania. The volume was published by the Romanian Patriarchate in three languages: Romanian, Greek, and English.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his heartfelt thanks to Patriarch Daniel for his warm and gracious hospitality. He referred to their long-standing friendship and the Primate of the Church of Romania’s sincere affection for the Mother Church of Constantinople.
Later that afternoon, Patriarch Daniel of Romania, accompanied by hierarchs of his church and close associates, escorted the Ecumenical Patriarch and his entourage to Bucharest Airport. They departed from there for Constantinople.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
