Ireland’s Ambassador to Romania, Brendan Ward, visited the Social and Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Giurgiu on Friday.
His Excellency was received by Bishop Ambrozie of Giurgiu. The guest expressed appreciation for the diocese’s activities and emphasised the importance of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s presence in Ireland.
“Thank you for the invitation, and I am very happy to be here. Indeed, the Romanian community in Ireland is among the largest in our country. We now have, I believe, around 70,000 Romanian citizens in Ireland, as well as many from the Republic of Moldova. Therefore, the role of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Ireland is important,” Brendan Ward said.
Bishop Ambrozie presented the centre and the diocese’s activities for young people.
“You are in an educational centre acquired by the Diocese of Giurgiu with the support of the state, county, and local authorities. Here we have created educational spaces with works of art, teaching materials, and recreational halls for the children and youth of our city and county,” the bishop noted.
Bishop Ambrozie also recalled the enthronement of the first Romanian Orthodox bishop of Ireland.
“The meeting offered an opportunity for cordial dialogue regarding the spiritual, cultural, and historical ties between the two nations. In this context, His Grace recalled the very important moment for the Romanian diaspora last year, when he participated in Dublin in the enthronement ceremony for the first Romanian Orthodox bishop of Ireland,” said Archimandrite Mihail Muscaliu, Exarch of the Monasteries of the Diocese of Giurgiu.
The bishop also presented the ambassador and his delegation with diocesan publications and other gifts.
Photo: Diocese of Giurgiu
