On Monday, June 2, 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, together with the Consulate General of Romania in New York, and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, organized a symposium titled, “A Century of Patriarchate, a Legacy of Faith: The Romanian Orthodox Church through History.”  

 

The event was hosted by: His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas (Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate), Mrs. Mihaela-Simona Florea, Consul General of Romania in New York, and Mr. Dorian Branea, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York.

 

Among the numerous distinguished guests were representatives of various Orthodox Churches and members of the diplomatic corps, including: His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America), His Eminence Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America), and His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America (Serbian Orthodox Church). Representing the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia to the United States of America was Consul Ms. Marija Stanojević.

 

The program featured remarks by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, Consul General Mihaela-Simona Florea, and Romanian Cultural Institute Director, Dorian Branea. A lecture and video presentation were also offered by the Very Reverend Daniel Ene, Chancellor of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, on the 100-year history of the Romanian Patriarchate. Archbishop Elpidophoros offered remarks on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which recognized and granted the status of Patriarchate to the Church of Romania.

 

His Grace Bishop Irinej, among the other hierarchs and notable guests, was interviewed by the Romanian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Television. Bishop Irinej spoke of the long-standing bonds uniting the Romanian and Serbian Orthodox Churches, as well as the Romanian and Serbian peoples. Citing the Irenic Letter issued by Serbian Patriarch Dimitrije to newly-elected Romanian Patriarch Miron in 1925, recognizing the Status of Patriarchate, and the presence of Bishop (come, Saint) Dositej of Niš, at the enthronement. His Grace also touched upon the fact that His late Majesty King Ferdinand of Romania, who signed the Status of Patriarchate into law, is the great-grandfather of the present Serbian Crown Prince Alexander. Thereafter, the daughter of Kind Ferdinand and Queen Marie, Princess Marija of Romania, married King Alexander of Yugoslavia, becoming one of Serbia’s most beloved Queens, affectionately known as The Queen Mother.

 

Following the symposium, attendees were invited to view an exhibition of historic photographs and documents retracing the Romanian Orthodox Church’s journey to Patriarchal status, and enjoying Romanian hospitality.