church distinction

Romania’s space pioneer Dumitru Prunariu receives church distinction on 45th anniversary of historic mission

Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the first Romanian to fly into space, received on Thursday the Metropolitan Order of “Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest” on behalf of Patriarch Daniel. The distinction was presented to the astronaut by Protosyncellus Simeon Cuțui, Cultural Exarch of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, during a festive session of the Romanian Academy marking…

May 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Vatopedi Abbot awarded Romanian Patriarchate’s highest distinction

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Efrem Koutsou, Abbot of Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, received the highest distinction of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cross. The ceremony took place last Friday in the Hall of the Romanian Saints at the Patriarchal Residence, immediately after the reception of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom. The distinction was…

Jul 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Professor John Behr awarded highest distinction of Romanian Diocese of Northern Europe

Rev. John Behr, a professor at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, received the highest award of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Northern Europe last Friday. The “Northern Cross” was awarded to Rev. John Behr by His Grace Bishop Macarie during a ceremony at the diocesan chapel in Bergen, Norway. His Grace Bishop Macarie of…

Apr 25, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel bestows church distinction on Maramureș gendarme for reaching 100th blood donation

Cosmin Barabaș, a gendarme in the county of Maramureș in northern Romania, attained his 101st blood donation milestone as part of the Romanian Patriarchate’s “Donate blood, save a life!” campaign. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel presented the gendarme with the “Sanctus Stephanus Magnus” Order of the Romanian Patriarchate as a token of gratitude for his dedication.…

Mar 22, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu