On Monday, November 25, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed His Excellency Mr. Lior Ben Dor, the Ambassador of Israel to Romania, for a courtesy visit at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest.
Patriarch Daniel praised Ambassador Ben Dor’s extensive diplomatic experience and highlighted the excellent relations between Romania and Israel. A pertinent example of these relationships is the pilgrimages organized in the Holy Land by the Romanian Patriarchate through its Basilica Travel pilgrimage agency, which enables Orthodox believers to visit the Holy Places as part of their pastoral and spiritual formation.
Both Patriarch Daniel and Ambassador Ben Dor emphasized the continued safety of these pilgrimages despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Patriarch expressed hope for the swift restoration of the Romanian Settlement at the Jordan River and its inclusion in future pilgrim itineraries.
The Ambassador thanked the Patriarch of Romania for the welcome and highlighted that Romania is one of the most visited countries by Israeli tourists. Also, given his family’s Romanian origins, His Excellency highlighted the Romanian people’s unique qualities of friendship and hospitality.
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized that the totalitarian systems of the 20th century led to the emergence of divisions between religious communities, a fact that can be healed through cooperation and correct information. The current mission is to cultivate dialogue, good relations, and full mutual respect as the foundation of peace in the family and society.
Ambassador Ben Dor highlighted the solidary involvement of the Romanian people, as a friend of the State of Israel, in recognizing the importance of stability in the Middle East region, and noted that the partnership and friendship between the two states are also based on the fundamental role of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Patriarch Daniel concluded by wishing the Ambassador success in his diplomatic mission in Bucharest.
Sector for Church, Interfaith, and External Community Relations
For more pictures, please visit our Photo gallery section.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
