Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, the Holy Synod’s general secretary, received on Sunday the Archangels Michael and Gabriel Medal from the Armenian Church Diocese in Romania.
The distinction was presented by Bishop Datev Hagopian, Head of the Armenian Archdiocese in Romania, during the reconsecration of the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Bucharest, which this year marks 110 years since its consecration.
The ceremony followed recent restoration works on the historic cathedral. All those who supported the renovation and the Armenian community in Romania were awarded the commemorative medal.
Among those attending were Presidential Adviser Ludovic Orban, State Secretary for Religious Affairs Ciprian Olinici, representatives of other religious denominations, and members of the Armenian community.
Celebrating the continuity of Armenian faith in Romania
Bishop Varlaam conveyed a message from Patriarch Daniel of Romania, who said:
“The consecration service of the Archdiocesan Cathedral, celebrated today, represents both a solemn liturgical moment filled with joy and spiritual light, and a reaffirmation of the continuity of the Armenian apostolic faith in Romania.”
“This holy place, which preserves within its walls the memory of a community tested yet steadfast in faith, renews its liturgical beauty today to remain a sanctified space of communal prayer and faithful preservation of Armenian tradition,” the Patriarch added.
He also noted that the Armenian community in Romania carries a deep theological, cultural, and liturgical heritage, born of its ancestors’ sacrifices.
Promoting interethnic dialogue and cultural diversity
President Nicușor Dan, through his adviser Ludovic Orban, commended the Armenian community’s contribution to Romanian society, saying it has “enriched the national heritage through science and the arts, and has consistently promoted dialogue between ethnic groups.”
“Armenians have given Romania intellectuals, cultural figures, schools, and an ethic of dialogue and mutual respect — a lesson in civilisation that we must cherish and continue,” the message read, according to Agerpres.
State Secretary Ciprian Olinici highlighted the cathedral’s importance for the identity and culture of Romania’s Armenian community, noting that the Romanian government is committed to protecting the spiritual and cultural diversity of all faiths.
“It has been both an honour and a joy for the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs to support the strengthening and beautification works of this cathedral, as part of the state’s policy to highlight Romania’s diverse religious heritage,” Olinici said.
Centuries of Armenian presence in Romania
Bishop Datev Hagopian expressed gratitude for the long-standing support offered by both the Romanian state and the Orthodox Church:
“We, Armenians in Romania, have lived here for over 1,000 years as both Armenians and faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. This has been possible only thanks to the rulers, kings of the Romanian state, and the Romanian Orthodox Church,” he said.
On Saturday, Bishop Datev and a delegation from the Armenian Church visited Patriarch Daniel at the Patriarchal Residence, followed by a tour of the National Cathedral, guided by Bishop Varlaam Ploieșteanul.
Photo: screenshot from Trinitas TV
