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Father Ioan Ghiurco, founder of the Cathedral in Zalău, received the Patriarchal Crosstranslated

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

Father Ioan Ghiurco, the founder of the "Ascension" Episcopal Cathedral in Zalău, received the Patriarchal Cross, the highest award of the Romanian Patriarchate, on Sunday.

The distinction was handed to him by His Holiness Father Benedict, Bishop of Sălaj, on his 84th birthday, of which 62 years of clerical service.

His Beatitude Father Patriarch Daniel decided to grant the distinction to Father Ioan Ghiurco as a sign of appreciation and gratitude for the entire pastoral-missionary activity and for the special contribution made to the church life in the municipality of Zalău.

His Holiness Father Benedict thanked Blessed Father Daniel for the award of the Patriarchal Cross.

For his part, the father expressed his gratitude to His Beatitude, for the great honor of being awarded the Patriarchal Cross, confessing that he receives it with humility and emotion, as a sign of appreciation for his entire service and for the founding work of the Episcopal Cathedral in Zalău.

"Thank you all for everything, because I could not have done this alone. I had the support of thousands of believers who joined me and trusted me that…

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (11) 🌐 Show original

Piotr Wiśniewski

Felicitări părintelui Ioan Ghiurco! La 84 de ani și 62 de slujire să primească Crucea Patriarhală chiar de ziua lui e o bucurie mare. M-a impresianat că a spus "singur nu aș fi putut să fac așa ceva" – se vede că a adunat cu adevărat o mulțime de oameni în jurul Catedralei din Zalău.

Georg Weber

There, the words “I couldn't have done it without singing” are really strong. 62 years of service and then building the cathedral in Zalău with so many believers - that shows how important patience and trust are. Congratulations on your 84th birthday and the award!

Ηλίας Παναγιωτόπουλος

Father John's testimony that "he could not do it alone" is very good. It shows how important it is to have the trust of thousands of believers by your side when building something as big as Zalău Cathedral. Happy 84th birthday and well deserving of the honor.

Соломія Панченко

Yes, the words "I couldn't do it myself" are really apt. For 62 years of service, gathering thousands of people for such a cathedral in Zalau is a real job. It is good that the Patriarchate celebrated him precisely on his 84th birthday.

Katharina Becker

Yes, the words “singur nu aș fi putut să fac așa ceva” are really strong. With 62 years of service and thousands of believers who helped him at the Zalău Cathedral, it shows how much can be achieved together. Congratulations on your 84th birthday and award.

Paul Collins

Yes, that line about not being able to do it alone really stands out. 62 years of service and getting thousands of faithful to build the cathedral in Zalău together – it shows what steady work and trust can achieve. Happy 84th, Father Ioan, and well deserved.

Johannes Becker

Yes, that quote touched me too. Without the many believers from Zalău, the cathedral would never have been built - this shows how important patience and shared trust are. At 84 and 62 years of service, he has truly created something lasting.

Florian Becker

Yes, the quote is really powerful - he not only mentioned the thousands of believers from Zalău, but gave them all the thanks. With such a long service of 62 years, you probably learn that nothing works alone. Have you ever heard a similar story from another church where the congregation got on board like this?

Людмила Комарова

Yes, these words “I couldn’t do it myself” are very true. Over 62 years of service, bringing thousands of people to such a large cathedral in Zalau is a real deal. It’s good that we celebrated it on the day of our 84th birthday.

Ηλίας Χατζής

I agree, Elias. What Pope John says about the thousands of believers who supported him shows how much work trust does in practice. I in Volos have seen something similar on a smaller scale when we were building the parish garden – you don't go anywhere alone. Worthy, and his years are good.

Paul Davis

Yes, that bit about the thousands of faithful stepping up really hits home. My own parish built our little hall here in Toronto the same way – one family at a time, no big drama, just steady trust. Well earned at 84, Father Ioan.