In a remarkable display of international Masonic unity, ten Master Masons and a Fellowcraft from Sette Coronati Lodge in Bucharest, Romania, travelled over 1,450 miles to witness a historic event. Their destination was Cheshire, England, to support one of their own, Bogdan Tronac, as he was appointed the Master of Affinity Lodge.
Bogdan was Initiated into Freemasonry in 2014 at a Lodge in Lux Et Veritas under the National Grand Lodge of Romania (MLNR),
Not too long after his Initiation, Bogdan’s job as an Engineer with a German company took him to England, where he settled in Altrincham, Cheshire. He lost no time in contacting the Provincial Grand Lodge in Cheshire and settled on applying to Affinity Lodge, which is based in Altrincham.
Bogdan is passionate about the English language and saw his membership and progression as a motivating challenge and a learning opportunity.
While he remained in contact with Brethren from his Romanian Lodge, he dedicated his energy to Affinity and with steady annual progression, he was Installed in November 2024 as the Master of Affinity Lodge.
The Master of his mother Lodge, when Bogdan was Initiated, Marian Vatavu, presented Bogdan at his Installation, and as the Romanian Lodges under MLNR followed a ritual which has many similarities with the ritual practised in UGLE Lodges, those Romanian Brethren who were either current or Past Masters were able to witness, enjoy and fully understand the ceremony.
The communication was excellent as the Romanian brethren had very good English, Bogdan himself is fluent and at the social board later, Costin Tudor responded to the toast to the visitors. Costin, who is the Secretary of Sette Coronati and Inspector Expert of the National Grand Lodge of Romania (MLNR), was actually Initiated at the same time as Bro Bogdan.
Despite the geographical distance, he maintained strong ties with his Romanian Brethren while actively engaging in the English Masonic tradition.
This cross-border Masonic connection highlights the universal nature of Freemasonry and the enduring bonds forged within the fraternity. As Bogdan embarks on his new role as Worshipful Master, he symbolizes the vibrant future of Freemasonry, welcoming younger generations and fostering international understanding.
