Bishop Atanasie Enthroned as UK’s First Romanian Orthodox Archbishop

Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Siluan of Italy read the Metropolitan Tome of Enthronement. Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe then presented Archbishop Atanasie with the episcopal insignia and presided over the celebratory event, marked by congratulations and well wishes for his new pastoral duties.

Patriarch Daniel of Romania conveyed a message highlighting the enthronement as the start of a “new stage” in serving the Romanian Orthodox community in the UK. King Charles III, through the Lord Chamberlain, expressed his deep affection for Romania and his regret at not attending, noting the event as a sign of strong UK-Romania ties.

Romanian Ambassador Laura Popescu voiced her joy at the historic occasion and her confidence in Archbishop Atanasie’s ability to strengthen the Romanian community. State Secretary for Religious Affairs Ciprian Olinici emphasized the significant responsibility of caring for over 1.4 million Romanians in the diaspora, urging the Archbishop to uphold their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Metropolitan Iosif offered words of guidance, emphasizing care for all, especially the young and elderly, and addressing the loneliness of those living abroad. Archbishop Atanasie, humbled by the new role, spoke of the “great responsibility, overwhelming grace” and his commitment to serving under the “Good Shepherd.”

The enthronement was attended by numerous Orthodox hierarchs, including representatives from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Antiochian, and Georgian Orthodox Churches, as well as the Apostolic Nuncio to the UK, British and Romanian officials, diplomats, and ecumenical delegates. This landmark event signifies a new era for the Romanian Orthodox community in the United Kingdom.