President of Romania awards Patriarch Bartholomew the nation’s highest honor
Nicușor Dan presented the head of the Church of Constantinople with Romania’s highest state award for his contribution to interfaith dialogue.
At the Presidential Palace in Bucharest, Romanian President Nicușor Dan presented Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople with the Chain of the Order of the Star of Romania – the nation’s highest state decoration. According to Romania-Insider, the ceremony took place on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Dan stated that the award was given in recognition of Patriarch Bartholomew’s tireless efforts to promote interreligious dialogue, his commitment to environmental protection, and his defense of fundamental humanitarian values.
“The President praised Patriarch Bartholomew for his mission of peace, truth, and human dignity, describing him as a spiritual guide in a world marked by suffering and uncertainty,” the report said.
In his response, the head of the Ecumenical Patriarchate said that although the Church does not engage in politics in the narrow sense, its witness in the world contributes to the humanistic enrichment of political life.
The President also awarded the Romanian Orthodox Church with the highest national honor for legal entities. The decoration was received by Patriarch Daniel of Romania, who accompanied the head of the Phanar at the Presidential Palace.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that on Sunday, October 26, the National Cathedral (Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation) in Bucharest – the largest Orthodox church in the world – was consecrated. The service was led by Patriarchs Bartholomew and Daniel, attended by thousands of pilgrims and Romania’s top officials. The award ceremony followed a one-hour meeting between the President and the two Patriarchs.
