Romanian Patriarch discusses situation in Ukraine with U.S. State Dept ambassador

Patriarch Daniel with Riley Barnes and Darryl Nirenberg. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

Patriarch Daniel of Romania received U.S. State Department Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Riley Barnes in Bucharest, with the situation in Ukraine among the topics discussed, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.

The meeting between the primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church and the U.S. diplomatic delegation took place at the Patriarchal Residence. U.S. Ambassador to Romania Darryl Nirenberg, as well as representatives of the State Department and the U.S. Embassy, also attended the talks.

During the meeting, Patriarch Daniel spoke of the Romanian Church’s constant prayers for peace throughout the world and for a just resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. His Beatitude also recalled Romania’s reception of large numbers of Ukrainian refugees, who have received material and spiritual assistance from Romanian clergy and faithful.

The head of the Romanian Patriarchate briefed the guests on guarantees of religious freedom in the country. He emphasized the special role of the Romanian Orthodox Church as a contributor to social peace and an important part of the nation’s history.

U.S. diplomat Riley Barnes expressed admiration for the deep faith and traditions of the Romanian people. The State Department representative noted the complex geopolitical and religious situation in the world, including the military conflict in Romania’s neighboring Ukraine.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Patriarch Daniel emphasized the importance of responsible freedom, the protection of human dignity, solidarity and interreligious dialogue.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Romanian Patriarch called U.S. President Donald Trump a defender and promoter of Christian values.

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