Romania’s Ambassador to Italy, Gabriela Dancău, received on Thursday the Patriarchal Distinction “Saint Lady Maria Brâncoveanu”, which was bestowed upon her by Patriarch Daniel of Romania.
The Romanian diplomat stated that she dedicates “this distinction to the Romanians of Italy, in whose service I carry out my mission as Ambassador.”
The distinction was presented by Bishop Siluan of Italy during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy in Rome, in the presence of clergy members of the Diocese and representatives of the Romanian diplomatic authorities.
The Patriarchal Distinction was awarded in recognition of the Ambassador’s efforts to support the Romanian community in Italy, as well as for her contribution to the achievement of the Intesa, the agreement between the Italian State and the Romanian Orthodox Church regarding the legal recognition of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy.
A moral point of reference
The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy in Rome.
In her message upon receiving the distinction, Gabriela Dancău highlighted its spiritual and moral significance.
“I receive this high distinction with profound gratitude and humility. A distinction bearing the name of Saint Lady Maria Brâncoveanu transcends the dimension of personal recognition: it represents a moral point of reference and a call for a more demanding commitment to the very mission entrusted to us.”
The Ambassador emphasized that the official recognition of the Diocese by the Italian State is the result of a long-standing institutional effort and provides significant benefits to the Romanian community.
“The official recognition of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese by the Italian State, the result of an institutional process built with perseverance, provides our community with rights and firm guarantees for the preservation of its faith and its spiritual and cultural identity.”
“I receive this distinction with gratitude to God and with the responsibility to continue the work entrusted to me,” Her Excellency stated, concluding her address.
In early July, the Italian Senate unanimously approved the law granting legal recognition to the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, following its prior approval by the Chamber of Deputies. This completed the legislative process for the ratification of the agreement between the Italian State and the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Photo: Facebook / Embassy of Romania in Italy
Source: basilica.ro
