Organized by the Senate, a special knighthood ceremony of the European Order of Wine Knights took place on August 8, intended to honor the title of European Capital of Culture, held this year by Trenčín (Slovakia). The event began with a welcome reception at the “Pod Hradom” restaurant. This was followed by a visit to the “Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God,” where, after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy—presided over by Eques Mons. Jozef Bohunicky— the knightly ceremony took place (the Senate’s message delivered by the Consul General, accreditations, promotions, investitures, and the awarding of distinctions), coordinated by Magister Generalis Prof. Alfred Rakoczi Tombor Tintera and Captain General Alois Paul. After the ceremony, everyone returned to the restaurant for the chivalric banquet. Although the program was tight on time, it offered moments of the highest quality, in which the chivalric spirit and camaraderie among the brothers were fully evident.
The delegation from the Romanian Consulate consisted of 10 people, including the following officials: Vice Consul Marius Farmazon, Proconsul 1, and Eques Dragoș Danubianu, Legate 1 of Bukovina. The two officials were honored with important distinctions, presented by Magister Generalis Prof. Alfred Rakoczi Tombor Tintera. Thus, Vice-Consul Marius Farmazon, Proconsul 1, was awarded the high senatorial distinction “ “Meritum Ordinis Gold/Gold”, and Legate 1 of Bukovina, Eques Dragoș Danubianu, was awarded the “Ordenskreuz in Silber am Weinfarbenband” (Order Cross in Silver on a Wine-Colored Ribbon), thereby becoming an Ordenskreuzträger/OKT, or Bearer of the Order Cross).
The Romanian delegation had the opportunity to visit the attractions of the city of Trenčín (Peace Square—the pedestrian heart of the old town, bordered by historic buildings—the City Tower, the Synagogue—in an eclectic style, recently renovated—the Executioner’s House—a unique Renaissance building, now a museum—, the Covered Stairs—a 16th-century wooden passageway—and the Roman inscription at Laugaricio— the city’s ancient Latin name—evidence of the presence of Roman troops in 179 CE, carved into the rock—and, last but not least, the Castle —dating from the 13th century, towering over the city from a high cliff—). On the last evening, the delegation members gathered for a pleasant, informal dinner at the “Black Angus Steak House & Bar,” where the beef was paired with a red wine made from the Dunaj variety (created in 1958 by crossing several varieties: Muscat Bouschet, Oporto, and St. Laurent).
We would also like to extend our sincere congratulations to the Slovak Consulate, which joined the Senate’s initiative and efforts, thereby contributing to the success of this exceptional chivalric event.
In Honorem Dei et In Honorem Vini!
Amicitia per Vinum!
OKT Eques Dragoș Danubianu
1st Bucovina Regiment
