The Official Recognition of the Autocephaly of the Romanian Orthodox Church by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

The acknowledgement of the autocephaly of the Romanian Orthodox Church by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is a subject which has received some attention from the researchers interested in the evolution of the Romanian Church throughout the centuries. Therefore, this event is largely treated by the existent historiography. However, one of the underlying aspects of this problem, namely the role played by the Romanian diplomats accredited at the Ottoman Porte, has been less debated by specialists. Consequently, the aim of this study is to emphasize these envoys' achievements during the lengthy negotiations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Drawing mainly on the diplomatic reports sent by the Romanian plenipotentiary ministers stationed in the capital of the Ottoman Empire to the ministers of foreign affairs in Bucharest, this article proves that diplomatic skills were a very important factor in obtaining the recognition of the autocephaly of the Romanian Church.