On August 6, 2020, the President of the Republic of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, signed the decree by which the two religious leaders, working in Italy, were appointed to the National Order of Merit, with the rank of Knights. This was announced in a statement by the presidential administration of the country.
The vicar bishop, Athanasius of Bogdania, of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of Italy, and the pastor, Corneliu Benone Lupu, of the Adventist Church in Italy, will be decorated "as a sign of great appreciation and gratitude for the solidarity and dedication shown in their intense social and philanthropic activity in favour of Romanian citizens living in the territory of the Italian Republic. [This activity helped] to limit the impact that the current epidemiological crisis has had on the Romanian community and especially on vulnerable social groups," according to the explanation.
"This honour is not only mine but all of ours: the Roman churches and the pastors who have worked together during this period," Pastor Lupu commented to Notizie Avventiste (Adventist News).
"It was awarded mainly for the work done in these last months of the coronavirus emergency," he added. "We have always worked as a team, so the merit is [for] all of us, but above all for God, who accompanied and supported us. God is the only one who has the credit for everything."
The National Order of Merit is an honor of ancient tradition in Romania. Abolished after the communist revolution, it was restored by a law in 2000. The two awards just awarded are under the “Order of Faithful Service".
Pastor Lupu has lived in Italy for many years, together with his family. He has served the Romanian-speaking Adventist communities of Turin and Rome. He is currently serving the Italian-speaking churches of Rome Lungotevere and Rieti, and the Latin American community in the capital.
