His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel welcomed His Grace Bishop Lukijan of Buda, the administrator of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Timisoara, at the patriarchal residence and awarded him the second highest order of the Romanian Patriarchate.
During the meeting that took place on March 28, Bishop Lukijan conveyed best regards on behalf of Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia.
The Romanian Patriarch discussed the status of the Serbian community in Romania and its potential for growth and progress with his visitor.
His Grace Bishop Lukijan was awarded the Order of the Praying Theotokos (Virgin Orans) by the Patriarch of Romania in recognition of the strong links between the two sister Churches and nations.
Bishop Lukijan thanked His Beatitude for the distinction, stating that it encourages him to continue his efforts to strengthen the cordial ties between the two Churches and nations.
The Serbian bishop also expressed gratitude for his collaboration and positive relationships with the Romanian bishops in the region where he carries out his pastoral duties.
Patriarch Daniel mentioned the reconciliation between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of North Macedonia after more than half a century of severed ties.
With the blessing of Patriarch Daniel, the visit concluded in the Patriarchal Cathedral with a prayer for the memory of former Romanian Patriarch Teoctist, led by Bishop Lukijan.
Photography courtesy of the Serbian Diocese of Buda
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