Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church delivered a heartfelt message on Thursday on the occasion of the name day of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, during celebrations held at the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral in Panagia, on the island of Imbros (Gökçeada), Turkey.
In his address, Patriarch Daniel praised Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary Orthodoxy, noting that throughout his 35 years of service as Ecumenical Patriarch, he has gained international recognition for his spiritual leadership, commitment to dialogue, and efforts to promote peace among peoples and religions.
The Romanian Patriarch highlighted the strong bonds of communion and cooperation between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church, recalling the fourteen official visits made by Patriarch Bartholomew to Romania over the years. He noted that these visits have significantly strengthened the relationship between the two Churches and contributed to the witness of Orthodoxy in the contemporary world.
Patriarch Daniel also emphasized the Ecumenical Patriarch’s longstanding commitment to inter-Christian and interreligious dialogue, describing him as a tireless advocate for mutual understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation among religious communities. He praised Bartholomew’s efforts to foster relations with Christian denominations, Jewish communities, Muslim leaders, and representatives of other faith traditions.
Particular attention was given to Patriarch Bartholomew’s internationally recognized environmental initiatives. Patriarch Daniel noted that the Ecumenical Patriarch has consistently linked environmental protection with spiritual responsibility, encouraging global awareness of humanity’s duty to safeguard creation. These efforts have earned him numerous international distinctions and widespread respect beyond Orthodox circles.
Concluding his message, Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude for the invitation to participate in the celebrations on Imbros and warmly congratulated Patriarch Bartholomew on both his name day and the milestones of 35 years as Ecumenical Patriarch and 65 years of clerical service. He prayed that the Apostle Bartholomew, the Patriarch’s heavenly patron, would intercede for his continued health, strength, and fruitful ministry for the good of the Church and the promotion of peace, understanding, and cooperation throughout the world.
Source: Basilica.ro / Photo: Archim. Andrei Anghel
