Patriarch Daniel of Romania has described the head of the Phanar as one of the most respected Orthodox leaders of our time

Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of Patriarch Bartholomew’s name day, highlighting his significant role in the contemporary Orthodox world, inter-Christian and interfaith dialogue, as well as in international environmental initiatives.

According to the Orthodox Times, the address was delivered on Thursday during celebrations at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in Panaya on the island of Imbros (Gökçeada) in Turkey.

In his speech, Patriarch Daniel described Patriarch Bartholomew as one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary Orthodoxy. He noted that during his 35 years of service on the Patriarchal Throne of Constantinople, Bartholomew has gained widespread international recognition thanks to his spiritual leadership, commitment to dialogue, and efforts to strengthen peace among peoples and religions.

The Patriarch of Romania paid special attention to relations between the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Romanian Orthodox Church. He recalled Patriarch Bartholomew’s fourteen official visits to Romania, emphasizing that these trips significantly strengthened communion and cooperation between the two Churches and contributed to Orthodox witness in the modern world.

Patriarch Daniel also noted the long-standing work of the head of the Phanar in the field of inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogue. In his words, Patriarch Bartholomew consistently advocates for mutual understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation among religious communities, developing contacts with Christian denominations, Jewish communities, Muslim leaders, and representatives of other religious traditions.

The message also specifically mentioned Patriarch Bartholomew’s environmental initiatives, which have received international recognition. Patriarch Daniel emphasized that for many years the head of the Phanar has linked environmental protection with humanity’s spiritual responsibility for the preservation of creation, which has earned him numerous international awards and respect beyond the Orthodox world.

In conclusion, Patriarch Daniel expressed his gratitude for the invitation to participate in the celebrations on Imbros and congratulated Patriarch Bartholomew on his name day, as well as on two important anniversaries — the 35th anniversary of his patriarchal ministry and the 65th anniversary of his priesthood. He wished him health, strength, and continued fruitful service for the benefit of the Church, peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation throughout the world.