Aurelian Iftimiu

Why is Romania called the “Garden of the Mother of God”? The answer lies in a 1499 Marian apparition

Pope Francis in 2019 and Pope John Paul II in 1999 reaffirmed a belief deeply rooted in Romanian tradition since the 15th century: that Romania is the “Garden of the Mother of God.” Few, however, know the origin of this title. It is based on a miraculous event that took place in Neamț County, at…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Iustin urges prayer and repentance in Romania – „the Garden of the Mother of God”

At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar delivered a pastoral message urging priests, monastics, and faithful to dedicate themselves to prayer, repentance, and active participation in church services, while recalling that Romania is traditionally known as the “Garden of the Mother of God.” In his message, Bishop Iustin described…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Cluj Metropolitan: Combine bodily discipline with inner purification during Dormition Fast

His Eminence Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj has urged the faithful to live the Dormition Fast not merely as a dietary restriction, but as a time for strengthening prayer, reconciling with God, and purifying the soul. “Let us fast not only from food, but also from evil,” the hierarch said, emphasising that true fasting combines bodily…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Banat Metropolitan urges charity and prayer during Dormition Fast

His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat has urged the faithful to use the next two weeks to visit and comfort those who are suffering – whether in hospitals, care homes, or at home – especially the lonely, marginalised, and elderly without support. At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan delivered a…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Western & Southern Europe Metropolitan Iosif celebrates name day on feast of Saint Joseph of Arimathea

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif, Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of Western and Southern Europe, celebrates his spiritual patron on Thursday, as the Church commemorates Saint Joseph of Arimathea, the nobleman who laid Christ’s body in the tomb. Metropolitan Iosif was born on February 19, 1966, in Vișeu de Jos, Maramureș County, Romania. He graduated from “Gheorghe Șincai”…

Jul 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Five key figures behind the founding of the Romanian Patriarchate

In 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church marks a century since one of the most significant milestones in its modern history: the elevation to the rank of Patriarchate. This centennial year offers not only a celebration of ecclesiastical achievement but also an opportunity to honour the spiritual, cultural, and national vision that shaped the Patriarchate’s foundation…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Romania’s Patriarch Teoctist: 18 years after his passing

It has been eighteen years since Patriarch Teoctist of Romania passed away on July 30, 2007, at the age of 92. Born Toader Arăpașu on February 7, 1915, in the village of Tocileni, Botoșani County, he was the tenth child of Dumitru and Marghioala Arăpașu, raised in a large and devout Orthodox family. From a young…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

100 years since Ecumenical Patriarchate endorsed Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate

A century ago, on July 30, 1925, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued the synodal tomos officially recognising the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate. This recognition affirmed the decision made by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on February 4, 1925. Following canonical provisions, the decision of the Holy Synod was communicated…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nifon: National anthem calls Romanians to unity, faith, and responsibility

On National Anthem Day, His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște, emphasised the spiritual and historical significance of Romania’s national anthem, describing it as a call to unity, solidarity, collaboration, and a deepening of the country’s Christian heritage. “Through its lyrics and melody, the national anthem invites us to unity and solidarity, to cooperation…

Jul 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Maramureș Bishop honours Border Police, stresses spiritual duty in defending national identity

On Monday, during events marking Romanian Border Police Day, His Grace Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar conveyed a message of support and gratitude to those safeguarding Romania’s territory, values, and national security. “Dear border police officers, you are not merely guarding a geographical territory, but defending a space of identity, faith, and values inherited…

Jul 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ignatie warns against “entitlement culture,” calls for return to humility and discretion

On Sunday, at Bogdănița Monastery in Vaslui County, His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși addressed what he called a growing phenomenon in today’s society — a culture of entitlement, which he referred to as “I-deserve-it-ism”, in stark contrast to the teachings of Christ. Reflecting on the Gospel reading for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Bishop…

Jul 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu