Patriarch Daniel of Romania has sent a heartfelt message to Patriarch and Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians on the occasion of the re-consecration of the historic Patriarchal Cathedral in Echmiadzin. The cathedral, a significant religious and cultural symbol for the Armenian Apostolic Church, recently underwent major renovations, marking a significant event in the church’s history.
In his message, Patriarch Daniel expressed his deep respect for the importance of Echmiadzin in the life of the Armenian Church, acknowledging its significance for over two millennia. He praised the effective leadership of Patriarch Karekin II, who has guided the Armenian Church for more than two decades.
Patriarch Daniel also highlighted the enduring and positive relationship between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, citing the support provided by the Romanian Orthodox Church to Armenian refugees from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. His message conveyed both spiritual solidarity and concern for peace in the region, particularly regarding the challenges faced by the Armenian Christian population in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The presence of His Grace Varlaam of Ploiești, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch, at the event symbolizes the historic ties between the two churches and their shared commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The message concluded with prayers for peace, spiritual joy, and God’s blessings upon Patriarch Karekin II and the Armenian people during this significant moment in their religious history.
Read the full text below:
Your Holiness,
With love in Christ, we have received Your Holiness’ invitation to delegate His Grace Varlaam of Ploiești, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch and Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, to the events organized on the occasion of the re-consecration of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Echmiadzin, a place of worship of particular importance in the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which you have been fruitfully shepherding for more than 20 years.
At the same time, the presence of our delegate in Echmiadzin, on the occasion of the re-consecration of the Patriarchal Cathedral, is a testimony of the good historical relations between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as between the Romanian people and the Armenian community in Romania, manifested in concrete ways and through the fundraising campaign organized by our church for Armenian refugees from Artsakh.
In these solemn moments for the Armenian Apostolic Church, we pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to bestow upon Your Holiness peace, spiritual joy, and abundant blessings in the activity you carry out. At the same time, we lift up our prayers to Almighty God for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where the Armenian Christian population faces severe challenges.
With joy in Christ the Lord,
† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo credit: Arhiva Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene