On Thursday, Romanian President Nicușor Dan visited the headquarters of the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia, where Bishop Veniamin welcomed him.
The Romanian president is on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s proclamation of independence.
During the meeting, held in the Chapel of the Resurrection of the Lord, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia presented the Romanian president with an overview of the diocese’s history, key developments in recent years, and the pastoral, missionary, and administrative challenges facing the communities under its care.
The bishop highlighted projects undertaken by the diocese, including the Heroes’ Monastery in Stoianovca, dedicated to preserving the memory of Romanian war heroes; ongoing work at the Diocesan Cathedral in Cahul; and initiatives supporting Romanian communities in the historic region of southern Bessarabia.
President Nicușor Dan expressed interest in the pastoral and missionary work carried out in southern Moldova, as well as in the situation of Romanian communities across historic southern Bessarabia, including those in the Odesa region.
The discussions also addressed ways to support and continue projects important to these communities, aimed at strengthening Romanian Church life, culture, and identity.
Bishop Veniamin thanked President Nicușor Dan for the visit and presented him with an icon of Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Cetatea Albă-Ismail, the patron saint of the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia.
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Southern Bessarabia
