On Saturday, February 8, 2025, Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar, along with 52 pilgrims, visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople as part of their pilgrimage to Cappadocia and Asia Minor.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew warmly greeted the Romanian pilgrims, highlighting the strong bond between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church. In his address to the guests, he discussed the role of modern Christians in a globalized world and reflected on the liturgical significance of the current period—the start of the Triodion.
Bishop Iustin expressed his sincere appreciation to Patriarch Bartholomew for the warm and fraternal reception, mentioning that the pilgrimage had the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania.
During the visit, Bishop Iustin also mentioned the upcoming consecration of the National Cathedral of Romania in October, an event in which Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is expected to participate.
As a gesture of respect and gratitude, Bishop Iustin presented the following items to the Ecumenical Patriarch:
- An epitrachelion and an omophorion,
- A bedernitsa embroidered with an image of Saint Joseph the Confessor,
- A set of episcopal engolpion and cross,
- A Maramureș voivodal cross,
- An album featuring the wooden churches of Maramureș, and
- A French translation of Nicolae Steinhardt’s “The Happiness Diary”.
In return, Patriarch Bartholomew gifted Bishop Iustin with:
- An engolpion, and
- A collection of books about the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the First Ecumenical Council.
After the meeting, the Romanian pilgrims took part in the Vespers service led by Patriarch Bartholomew at the Cathedral of Saint George, the historic headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
This encounter underscored the deep spiritual connection between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church, emphasizing their shared Orthodox heritage and the significance of pilgrimage in strengthening faith.
Source: Basilica.ro / Photo: Episcopia Maramureșului și Sătmarului / Arhid. Lucian Burnar și Pr. Florin Stan
