Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the first Romanian to fly into space, received on Thursday the Metropolitan Order of “Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest” on behalf of Patriarch Daniel.
The distinction was presented to the astronaut by Protosyncellus Simeon Cuțui, Cultural Exarch of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, during a festive session of the Romanian Academy marking the 45th anniversary of the first space flight by a Romanian.
“In May 1981, a son of Romania looked upon creation from a place from which few people ever have the privilege to see it. The testimony he brought then, and on countless occasions throughout his life and career, has been one of responsibility and steadfast service to his nation,” Fr. Simeon Cuțui said.
“You demonstrated that science, discipline and courage can become a source of honour for an entire people. In the 45 years that have passed since then, he has not remained only the first Romanian to reach outer space, but has also been a tireless servant of science and international diplomacy, and a presence of distinguished dignity in the highest forums of the global space community,” the protosyncellus added.
Festive session
The session was moderated by Academician Dorel Banabic, President of the Technical Sciences Section of the Romanian Academy.
The President of the Romanian Academy, Academician Mircea Andruh, delivered a video message highlighting the importance of the event that took place 45 years ago.
“For the Romanian Academy, this anniversary carries special significance. It reminds us that the great achievements of a nation do not happen by chance; they are the result of education, research, technical culture, disciplined work and a vision that goes beyond the immediate limits of the present.”
Addresses were also delivered by Sorin Costreie, Presidential Adviser, and Mihai Dimian, Minister of Education and Research.
Alongside representatives of the international space community, astronauts from Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Slovakia, Spain and Turkey attended the event.
A commemorative philatelic issue dedicated to space exploration and the 45th anniversary of the first cosmic flight by a Romanian citizen was also launched during the event, presented by Gabriel Bulumac, Director General of Romfilatelia.
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Luigi Ivanciu
