The solemn ceremony April 25 was attended by Cardinal Laszlo Paskai, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and primate of Hungary, and the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Karl Josef Rauber.
The patriarch was honored for his competence as a jurist in the field of sacred canons.
Bishop Peter Erdo, rector of the university, thanked the patriarch, who is «primus inter pares» among the world´s Orthodox bishops, for his contribution toward the unity of Eastern and Western Christians, and for Hungary´s evangelization.
On the occasion of the millennium of Christianity in Hungary, celebrated last Aug. 20, the patriarch of Constantinople took the unprecedented decision to recognize St. Stephen, Catholic king of Hungary, among the saints of the Orthodox Church.
During his visit to Hungary, Bartholomew I also received from Parliament the Great Cross of Merit of the Republic of Hungary, and was welcomed by President Ferenc Madl.