Romanian President awards Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew with highest state award

On Monday, October 27, 2025, a ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, during which Romanian President Nicusor Dan presented the highest state award, the chain of the Order of the Star of Romania, to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. The award was given in recognition of the Patriarch’s services in promoting interreligious dialogue, protecting the environment and upholding humanitarian values.

According to Orthodox Times, in his speech, President Dan emphasized the deep significance of Patriarch Bartholomew’s presence at the anniversary celebrations of the Romanian Church. He noted that the country’s highest award is given in recognition of His Holiness’ tireless efforts to promote interreligious dialogue, his unwavering commitment to environmental protection and his firm defense of fundamental humanitarian values.

«We accept this honor with gratitude and joy,» the head of the Phanar said in his response, «affirming that it is truly bestowed upon the Most Holy Apostolic and Patriarchal Ecumenical See of Constantinople, to whom, by the good pleasure and grace of Almighty God … we have the blessing to serve as its Primate for thirty-four years.»

Addressing the President, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the role of the Church in public life. «Although the Church is not involved in politics in the narrow sense of the word, its witness in the world has always contributed — and continues to contribute — to the humanistic enrichment of political life, for at the very heart of every social and political endeavor is the human person, created in the image and likeness of God,» he said.

During the ceremony, the Romanian president also presented the Romanian Church with the highest honorary award of the country for legal entities, in recognition of its multifaceted contribution to the Romanian society. The award was accepted by Patriarch Daniel of Romania, who accompanied Patriarch Bartholomew to the Presidential Palace.

Before the award ceremony, the President, the Patriarchs of Constantinople and Romania met for more than an hour to discuss current issues of mutual interest.

Recall that on Sunday, October 26, the consecration of the National Cathedral (Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation), the largest Orthodox church in the world, took place in the Romanian capital. The solemn ceremony was attended by thousands of pilgrims and the country’s top officials. The service was led by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church.