On Monday, June 30, 2025, His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Secretary of the Holy Synod, received His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios of Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines (Patriarchate of Antioch), at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest. The Very Reverend Archimandrite Alexi Nassour accompanied His Eminence.
Bishop Varlaam warmly welcomed the delegation and stressed the historically strong and friendly relations between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Antioch.
He also expressed deep sorrow over the recent terrorist attack at Saint Elijah Church in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of 23 people and injuries to another 50.
In response, Metropolitan Basilios thanked the Romanian Church for its hospitality and expressed his admiration for its pastoral and missionary work both within Romania and in the diaspora.
His Eminence also highlighted the excellent cooperation with His Grace Bishop Mihail, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Australia and New Zealand, and drew attention to the grave situation of Christians in the Middle East, who continue to face violent persecution.
After the visit, Metropolitan Basilios and Archimandrite Alexi Nassour visited the Patriarchal Cathedral. In the coming days, the Antiochian delegation will visit several churches and monasteries in the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
Department for Christian Relations, Interreligious Dialogue, and Romanian Communities Abroad
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Mihnea Păduraru
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Mihnea Păduraru
