His Grace Bishop Benedict was enthroned as Bishop of Sălaj on Sunday at the “Ascension of the Lord” Cathedral in Zalău. The ceremony took place after the Divine Liturgy.
Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Maramureș, and Sălaj, along with eight hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church, concelebrated at the solemn liturgy.
The event was attended by priests from the diocese, as well as many faithful who came to welcome their new bishop. Also present were central, county, and local authorities, military officers, representatives of other religious denominations, academics, and guests from the counties of Cluj, Bistrița-Năsăud, Alba, and beyond.
The representative of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel at the event was Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Paisie of Sinaia.
The Enthronement Ceremony
Metropolitan Andrei led the enthronement of His Grace Bishop Benedict.
Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar read the official decree, the metropolitan gramata, which formally recognizes and presents the new bishop.
Metropolitan Andrei then handed Bishop Benedict the insignia of episcopal ministry, including the cross and engolpion gifted by Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church, and seated him on the bishop’s throne of the Episcopal Cathedral in Zalău.
“First of all, the shepherd must welcome everyone with love. Secondly, he must pray for everyone. We know that His Grace Benedict is a man of prayer and, as Bishop of Sălaj, he will pray for you all, for the faithful whom God now gives him as spiritual children,” Metropolitan Andrei emphasized, according to Ziarul Lumina.
“Furthermore, in addition to welcoming and praying for all, the shepherd must love everyone. Love is a great virtue—the greatest of all! The people of Sălaj, faithful, gentle, and humble, need Your Grace’s love, as well as the love of the clergy who minister here. Fourthly, as Saint Peter teaches us, you must bear their burdens—and they are not few. People face many challenges today, and we must do our part to help carry them to the end.”
Messages of Welcome
Ciprian-Vasile Olinici, State Secretary for Religious Affairs, delivered a message of congratulations to the new bishop.
“Today, you embark on a path of reconfiguration and renewal of diocesan life—a path of change and transformation. Your youth, erudition, and experience in social mission will serve you well on this new journey. It is a time of hope and healing for the clergy and faithful here, and you are called to be the man and servant of this hope,” he said.
Welcome messages were also delivered by the President of the Sălaj County Council, Dinu Iancu Sălăjanu, and the Deputy Mayor of Zalău, Călin Cristian Forț.
The greeting on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Sălaj was delivered by Fr. Claudiu Nechita, Administrative Vicar of the Diocese:
“We welcome you with open hearts, for in Your Grace we see the image of a young hierarch, full of zeal, wisdom, and sacrificial love for the Church and her people—the kind of person the Apostle Paul described to his disciple Timothy, one who brings peace, balance, and spiritual renewal.”
Words of Gratitude
At the end of the enthronement ceremony, Bishop Benedict expressed thanks to Patriarch Daniel, Metropolitan Andrei, and all those present.
“I firmly believe that every good beginning is rooted in the Liturgy. That is why I will first strive to be a dedicated servant in the Episcopal Cathedral and in the parishes and monasteries of the diocese, seeking a real and personal connection with priests, monastics, and believers in these communities. I will make efforts to strengthen catechetical work in parishes and support cultural initiatives as much as possible,” said His Grace Benedict.
“The proper functioning of the St. Nicholas Theological High School in Zalău will be a key priority of my ministry, along with care for religion teachers, as this subject is essential for the spiritual formation of the younger generation. In the same context, my presence at the Faculty of Theology in Cluj will maintain a connection with the young theologians of this region, whom we hope to see become good priests in due time within our diocese.”
His Grace stressed:
“A special focus will be placed on the pastoral care of young people—not many remain in small towns or villages, but we hope they will return one day. Philanthropic work will also be of utmost importance in my missionary activity, understanding the many and urgent needs of various social groups, as well as the Church’s role in improving the quality of life.”
Bishop Benedict was elected Bishop of Sălaj by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on March 27.
Photo: Cluj Metropolis / Darius Echim and Ionuț Chifa
