New York, June 2, 2025 – In a solemn and deeply symbolic atmosphere, on the evening of Monday, June 2, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m., an anniversary event was held in New York to commemorate the centennial of the elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the rank of Patriarchate (1925–2025). Organized by the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Romania in New York and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, the event brought together hierarchs and distinguished figures from the Orthodox, diplomatic, religious, and cultural spheres.
The evening was opened by Mr. Dorian Branea, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute and host of the event, who emphasized the strong connection between cultural institutions and the Church. He expressed hope that this first partnership between the RCI and the Metropolia would mark the beginning of a lasting collaboration in the shared mission of supporting the spiritual and cultural values of Romanians in the diaspora.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae joyfully noted that all canonical Orthodox Churches in the New York metropolitan area were represented—four by hierarchs and three by delegates holding the rank of Vicar General—offering a living witness to the unity of Orthodoxy in its diversity. In his address, His Eminence thanked the guests, organizers, and collaborators, and provided a historical and theological introduction to the elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to Patriarchal rank in 1925—an act of spiritual and institutional maturity that affirmed our Church as one of the major voices of global Orthodoxy. His remarks set the stage for the evening’s thematic presentation.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Mihaela-Simona Florea, Consul General of Romania in New York, highlighted the profound connection between Orthodoxy and Romanian national identity, stating that the Romanian people cannot point to a specific baptismal date “because they were born Christian—naturally and organically.” She recalled the Great Union of 1918 as the foundation for the reorganization of the Church, which culminated naturally in the establishment of the Patriarchate in 1925. She emphasized that this was not merely an administrative structure but a symbol of the spiritual and cultural unity of the Romanian nation, and that the Church has always been the foundation of national conscience and endurance. She also expressed gratitude to the representatives of other Consulates General, noting with joy that most Orthodox countries were represented at the level of Consul General, alongside representatives from Latin American countries where the Metropolia carries out Orthodox mission work. She concluded with a heartfelt reflection on faith that flows from the heart and reaches the hearts of others: “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched—they must be felt with the heart,” just as the Romanian people’s faith has lived through history.
The central moment of the evening was the historical presentation delivered by the Eparchial Vicar, Rev. Fr. Daniel Ene, who offered a well-documented account of the process that led to the elevation of the Church to Patriarchal dignity. The presentation, accompanied by a PowerPoint projection, included a personal testimony in which Fr. Daniel underlined that this act was not merely an administrative decision, but a deep desire of the Romanian people to express their faith within a unified national state. He also referenced a letter discussed within the Holy Synod, written by a prominent political leader, which affirmed that a strong Church was essential for the newly unified Greater Romania. The presentation was received with enthusiasm and joy by all attendees.
Following his address, Fr. Daniel Ene introduced a documentary photography exhibit, consisting of rare archival images—many displayed for the first time—offered with the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel and through the kindness of the Very Reverend Fr. Policarp, Director of the Library of the Holy Synod. The exhibit offered participants a visual journey through the life and ministry of the Romanian Orthodox Church across a century of Patriarchal witness.
In the art gallery hosting the exhibit, participants also viewed the documentary film “The History of the Romanian Patriarchate: 1925–2025”, produced by Trinitas TV. The film was presented with English subtitles, carefully prepared by the Eparchial Secretary, Fr. Ștefan Drăgoi, to facilitate understanding for international guests and to broaden the reception of the spiritual message.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished Orthodox hierarchs, including: His Eminence Elpidophoros, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Ecumenical Patriarchate); His Grace Irinej, Bishop of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America (Patriarchate of Serbia); His Eminence Michael, Archbishop of New York and New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America); as well as representatives of the Antiochian, Ukrainian, and Russian Orthodox Churches, present through their Vicars General. Their presence bore witness to the fraternal communion among the autocephalous Orthodox Churches, mutual respect, and the importance of the centennial celebration.
Also in attendance were: His Excellency Gheorghe Leucă, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations; Mrs. Andreea Mocanu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN; representatives of several Consulates General; representatives of other Romanian Christian denominations in the New York metropolitan area; as well as clergy and faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas, who came from numerous parishes.
In conclusion, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros offered words of thanks to Metropolitan Nicolae on behalf of all the hierarchs present, expressing the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s appreciation and emphasizing the active and highly respected role of the Romanian Orthodox Church within the Orthodox diaspora.
Mr. Dorian Branea then invited all participants into the exhibition space for the official opening of the exhibit, followed by a tasting of traditional Romanian dishes, lovingly prepared by the parishes of the New York, New England, and Eastern USA Deaneries.
This solemn celebration was not merely a historical commemoration, but a living reaffirmation of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s mission as a beacon of spirituality, identity, and unity for Romanians everywhere.
Rev. Fr. Ștefan Drăgoi
