The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez received this Sunday the Order of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew "Star," awarded by the Greek Orthodox Church.
This is a recognition of the support of the Cuban state towards this religious community. The ceremony took place at the Sacred Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Myra, located in the Historical Center of Havana, as part of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of its consecration.
The decoration was presented by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who emphasized the close relationship between the Greek Orthodox Church and Cuba.
During his intervention, Makarios stated that Cuba is "an example of ecumenism and respect for religious diversity." He also expressed his confidence that the Cuban people will overcome the current adversities.
Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for the gesture "on behalf of the Cuban people." He stated that this recognition is "a sign of solidarity and brotherhood" between the Greek Orthodox Church and Cuba.
Furthermore, he took the opportunity to recall the meeting between Fidel Castro and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, which took place two decades ago, a moment that marked the beginning of a symbolic relationship between both institutions.
The Cuban leader also asserted that there are principled coincidences between the Revolution and the Patriarchate of Constantinople on issues such as "peaceful coexistence and environmental protection," an emblematic aspect of the legacy of Bartholomew I, known as the "Green Patriarch" for his ecological commitment.
The Holy Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Myra was consecrated in 2004. This institution is an example of Byzantine architecture and one of the symbols of interreligious dialogue in Cuba.
Its construction was the result of a joint effort between the Cuban government and the Greek Orthodox Church, consolidating a space of spirituality for the Orthodox community on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Díaz-Canel's Honorary Award from the Greek Orthodox Church and its Implications
Why was Miguel Díaz-Canel decorated by the Greek Orthodox Church?
Miguel Díaz-Canel was awarded the Order of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew "Star" by the Greek Orthodox Church in recognition of the Cuban state's support for this religious community. The award ceremony took place during the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the consecration of the Holy Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Myra in Havana.
What does the relationship between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Cuban government symbolize?
The relationship between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Cuban government symbolizes a display of solidarity and brotherhood, as well as an example of ecumenism and respect for religious diversity. During the ceremony, the close relationship between both entities was emphasized, along with shared principles such as peaceful coexistence and environmental protection.
How is this decoration connected to Fidel Castro's legacy?
During the ceremony, Díaz-Canel recalled the meeting between Fidel Castro and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I two decades ago, which marked the beginning of a symbolic relationship between the two institutions. This historic encounter is noted as a starting point for collaboration and interreligious dialogue in Cuba.
What other events stood out during the celebrations at the Orthodox Cathedral in Havana?
The celebrations at the Sacred Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Myra in Havana stood out for commemorating 20 years since its consecration. This cathedral, an example of Byzantine architecture, is a symbol of interfaith dialogue in Cuba and was built as a joint effort between the Cuban government and the Greek Orthodox Church.
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