Bodnariu family's eldest daughter marries in Romania, nearly 11 years after child protection case

Eliana Bodnariu, the eldest daughter of the family whose case garnered international attention when their children were taken into Norwegian child protective services custody, celebrated her wedding in Bihor County, Romania. The ceremony took place nearly 11 years after the traumatic separation from her parents, Marius and Ruth Bodnariu.

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For me, the true epilogue of the recently Cannes-awarded 'Fjord' was actually today.

Senator Titus Corlățean, a Romanian politician who actively supported the Bodnariu family during their ordeal, attended the wedding and shared his reflections on Facebook. He described the event as the "true epilogue" to the film "Fjord," which was inspired by the family's story. Corlățean expressed his deep emotion at witnessing Eliana's joy on her wedding day, noting how much their destinies had changed since the time she and her siblings were forcibly removed by the Norwegian institution known as Barnevernet.

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11 years ago, we were far from thinking, together with my colleague and friend Ben-Oni Ardelean, about such a day. At that time, both Eliana Bodnariu and her brothers and sisters had been forcibly taken by the odious Norwegian institution Barnevernet from their parents, Marius and Ruth.

"Years have passed, the Lord has worked wonderfully, and today Eliana was a superb bride," Corlățean wrote. He observed Eliana's radiant happiness, her bright eyes, and her heartfelt smile, emphasizing the beauty of a bride singing with gratitude for her "new life." The senator highlighted the presence of relatives and friends from Romania, Norway, and Denmark at the celebration, including Eliana's maternal grandparents and extended family members.

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Years have passed, the Lord has worked wonderfully, and today Eliana was a superb bride. I have the eyes of a father of a bride who was a bride, so I know how to see and feel a happy and fulfilled bride next to the young husband she chose. You look at her bright eyes and radiant face, her wide, heartfelt smile, and listen to her sing. A bride who sings, next to the chosen one of her heart, is a superb thing. Especially when she sings with gratitude to a great God, who saved her and gave her a new life.

The newly formed Romanian-Norwegian family, consisting of Eliana and her husband David, has chosen to establish their home in Romania. Despite the past trauma, Eliana maintains a strong connection to her Norwegian roots. The wedding, held in the groom's home county of Bihor, brought together a diverse group of attendees, reflecting the family's international connections and the widespread support they have received.

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This new Romanian-Norwegian family, founded today and which will live in freedom, love, and faith in Romania.