Today, November 8, 2009, in the Cathedral in Buzau the ceremony of elevation in rank of the Diocese of Buzau and Vrancea to the rank of archdiocese, in accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The event debuted with the consecration of the new Cathedral with the feast days of the Ascension of the Lord and of Holy Three Hierarchs located in Buzau. The consecration service was followed by the celebration of the Holy Liturgy by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, surrounded by 18 hierarchs, members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

After the Holy Liturgy, the ceremony of elevation in rank took place, in the presence of state and local authorities, other invitees and thousands of faithful. After the Patriarchal Tomos was read, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel offered to Most Rev. Epifanie, Archbishop of Buzau and Vrancea, the regalia of Orthodox Archbishops. The newly elevated Archbishop then blessed all those present and thanked the Romanian Patriarch for his care for the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Archdiocese of Buzau and Vrancea.

His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, congratulated the Archbishop of Buzau and Vrancea, who built more than 170 churches and repaired more than 200, while founding or reactivating 28 monasteries and sketes.