His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visited His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, at the Patriarchal Palace in the Romanian capital, Bucharest.
The meeting was held in the “Europa Christiana” Hall inside the Patriarchal Palace, where the Patriarch of Romania delivered a welcoming speech expressing the depth of the good relations between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church. He highlighted the warm reception that Romanian church delegations receive when visiting Coptic monasteries and churches in Egypt.
In his speech, His Holiness the Pope said: “Your Beatitude, I am very happy with this visit to Romania and the Romanian Orthodox Church, about which I have read a lot. I come to you from the Coptic Church, founded by Saint Mark the Apostle, from the land of Saint Anthony, the Father of Monasticism. Our Church has presented many martyrs over time, just as your Church has. Across our churches and all over Egypt, numerous daily prayers are offered for Christian life.
I have read extensively about the Romanian Orthodox Church, about its struggles and the large number of martyrs you have, from whom we also learn. We thank you for this kind reception, and we look forward to your visit to us in Egypt soon.”
At the end of the meeting, the Patriarch of Romania presented His Holiness the Pope with an icon of Saint Demetrios the New, the patron saint of Bucharest, as well as a chest icon of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the patron saint of Romania.
In return, His Holiness the Pope gifted His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel a model of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria inscribed with the Nicene Creed in multiple languages, and two icons depicting the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt.
Following the meeting, His Holiness the Pope and his accompanying delegation proceeded to the “Conventus” Hall in the Patriarchal Palace, where Pope Tawadros II engaged in a discussion about the current life and ministry of the Coptic Church with His Eminence Archbishop Nifon, Metropolitan of Târgoviște and Patriarchal Delegate.
Afterward, His Holiness and the delegation visited the Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helena, where he and the accompanying clergy chanted the Resurrection hymn in the Coptic language.
He then visited Cernica Monastery, one of the most prominent monastic landmarks in Romania, where he was received by Father Vasile and introduced to the monastery, which is dedicated to Saint Calinic of Cernica.
His Holiness also visited Pasărea Monastery for nuns in Ilfov County, where he was warmly received by the Abbess Mihaila and the community of nuns. They presented an overview of the monastic life, which combines prayer and work, such as embroidering liturgical vestments, creating icons, and candle-making.
His Holiness praised the spirit of service and simplicity that characterizes the ascetic monastic life in Romania, emphasizing its importance in preserving spiritual heritage and embodying practical love.
Accompanying His Holiness during the tour were His Eminence Metropolitan Nifon of Târgoviște, Fr. Prof. George Grigorita, Patriarchal Advisor, and Fr. Dr. Michael Tita, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
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