Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church (BOR) on Thursday presented fresh Wimbledon tennis champion Simona Halep with a Patriarchal Cross, the highest decoration of the Romanian Patriarchate, at a ceremony hosted by the Patriarch's residence.
Halep thanked for the award, acknowledging that she is very honoured and at the same time very excited.
"I always thank God for all He has given me and the family where I grew up. I'm glad that I am a Romanian, I'm glad to be on this Earth and I hope to bring joy to as many people and children as possible, to inspire them to succeed with what they want. Thank God and God bless us all!" Halep said in her turn.
Besides the Patriarchal Cross, Simona Halep received from Patriarch Daniel a special Centennial Bible published in 2018 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the December 1, 1918 Greater Union.
Attending the event were also Halep's parents and patriarchal councilors.