His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas blessed the headquarters of the Romanian Embassy in the Republic of Colombia on Monday, Sept. 16.
The event took place during the Metropolitan’s visit to Latin America and on the occasion of the completion of renovation works at the embassy in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae also met with Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, as well as with Bishop Timothy of Assos, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Colombia and Venezuela, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Discussions included the establishment of an Orthodox theological institution in Spanish to train future clergy in Latin America, as well as pastoral cooperation in Colombia through the opening of new parishes and the sharing of responsibilities to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful.
The meeting concluded with a joint service: Metropolitan Nicolae, together with the two hierarchs, officiated a Te Deum at the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral in Bogotá.
Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate
His Excellency Manuel Ioan Pleșa, Ambassador of Romania to Colombia, organized a symposium dedicated to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate.
The cultural event was attended by Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, Bishop Timothy of Assos, Archimandrite Simeon Lopez representing the Serbian Orthodox Church in Colombia, Father Alexandr Russos representing the Moscow Patriarchate, and Father Juan Carlos, Director of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Department of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, representing the Roman Catholic Church.
Participants also viewed an exhibition of images illustrating the historic moment when the Romanian Orthodox Church was elevated to the rank of Patriarchate.
On this occasion, Metropolitan Nicolae presented the Ambassador of Romania in Colombia with the American Metropolitan Cross, as a sign of gratitude for his care and support for the Romanian Orthodox Church in Colombia.
The Metropolitan also noted that an Orthodox chapel has been set up in the embassy for the diplomatic staff and for Romanian faithful living far from home.
Photo: mitropolia.us
