The Romanian President visits the Patriarchate
On the afternoon of Monday, the 23rd of February/7th of March 2016, the Romanian President, Mr Klaus Werner Iohannis, accompanied by a group of Romanian government officials, the Romanian Ambassador to Israel, Ms Andreea Păstârnac and his esteemed wife, visited the Patriarchate.
His Excellency the Romanian President and his entourage were received by H.B. Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem, in the presence of Hagiotaphite Fathers. The Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Isychios of Kapitolias, and Archimandrite Porphyrios had accompanied the Romanian President to the Patriarchate from the Gate of David.
Upon arrival at the Hall of the Throne, Patriarch Theophilos addressed Mr Iohannis in English, see link: http://www.jp-newsgate.net/en/2016/03/07/21304
His Beatitude went on to bestow on the Romanian President the honorary distinction of Crusader of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, in recognition of his support of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and of the Mother of Churches.
Touched, Mr Iohannis thanked the Patriarch for the distinction and offered him a plaque with stamps of Romania.
An interesting discussion followed on the harmonious relations between the Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Romania, whilst guests were hosted to a reception before both the Patriarch and the Romanian President walked in procession to the Church of the Resurrection.
There, Mr Iohannis venerated at the Holy Sepulchre, the Katholikon and Golgotha before proceeding to the office of the Elder Sacristan wherein the Holy Cross and relics of saints are kept.
From there, the Romanian President left to carry on his visit to Israel.
Source: Patriachate of Jerusalem
