The historical ties of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the Romanian Orthodox Church and the role of the Church as a bridge of understanding in an international tensions were highlighted during the meeting of Archbishop America Elpidoforos with the Romanian Foreign Minister Oa-Silvia Tsoyuwhich visited the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Monday.

The Archbishop congratulated the Romanian delegation on the 100th anniversary of the Romanian Church to the Patriarchate in 1925, recalling that she had received her self -deprecation in 1885 from the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He stressed that this development has reinforced the formation of a dynamic church with a strong presence.

Mr. Elpidoforos warmly referred to the Patriarch of Romania Daniel, with whom he is known by the period when the latter served as Metropolitan of Iasi. He also expressed the hope that the Romanian Church would in the future recognize the Ukrainian autocephalous Church, stressing that such a move would be in line with its own tradition and history.

Referring to the Romanian presence in North America, he noted that many Romanian clergymen are currently decorating within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, noting that “They are quickly adapted and they become particularly dear to their parishes.”

For her part, Ms Tsoyu emphasized the importance of the Church not only as a guardian of faith but also as a factor in unity in times when “malicious actors” attempt to cultivate division. He added that religious communities can enhance citizens’ confidence, especially when institutions are tested, and contribute to protection against threats against democracy.