Military priests convene annually in Iași

The annual convocation of military priests from the Romanian General Staff took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iași on September 17. The Holy Liturgy was officiated by Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bucovina, alongside Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Varlaam Ploieșteanul.

Approximately 80 clerics from defense, public order, and national security structures participated in the event. During the service, theologian Claudiu George Dulgheru was ordained as a deacon. The gathering serves as a moment of prayer and ecclesiastical communion before the priests begin their pastoral activities within the military environment.

In recognition of the cooperation between religious and military institutions, General Valentin Brânzei, Director of the General Staff of Defense, received the ‘Moldavian Cross’, the highest distinction of the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bucovina. In return, General Brânzei presented Metropolitan Teofan with the Honor Emblem of the General Staff.