His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel Visited the Diocese of Maramures and Satmar and Elevated Right Rev. Justinian to Honorary Archbishop

Romanian Orthodox Church

His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, visited the diocese of Maramures and Satmar, where he participated at various events organized on the occasion of the elevation in rank of Right Rev. Justinian, Bishop of Maramures and Satmar, to the honorary rank of archbishop.

On Saturday, 12 December 2009, His Beatitude visited several social centers in Baia Mare, starting with the consecration of the Social Center for the Elderly ‘St. Joseph the Confessor’. The Romanian patriarch was joined by Right Rev. Justinian of Maramures and Satmar and Right Rev. Justin, auxiliary bishop of this diocese. Also on Saturday, His Beatitude attended the carol concert performed by more than 500 primary and secondary school students, dressed in traditional costumes, specific to the area, which took place at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Baia Mare. His Beatitude then visited the Rohia Monastery and its Nicolae Steinhardt Cultural Monastic Center.

On Saturday evening, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel was awarded, by the Mayor of Baia Mare, the title of honorary citizen of Baia Mare City.

On Sunday, following the Holy Liturgy, His Grace Justinian was elevated to the rank of honorary Archbishop. At 88 years old, Most Rev. Justinian is the second hierarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church to receive this honorary rank. His Eminence has shepherded the diocese of Maramures and Satmar since 1990. The event was attended by 19 bishops, members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, state and local authorities and thousands of faithful. The decision to grant Most Rev. Justinian the rank of honorary Archbishop was taken by the Holy Synod in its working session of June 18-19, 2009.

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