Aurelian Iftimiu

Pilgrimage to Saint John Chrysostom’s relic in Bucharest concludes after drawing 60,000 faithful

The pilgrimage to the honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom concluded on Wednesday, July 16, after more than 60,000 faithful from across Romania venerated the holy relic, which was brought to the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest between July 11 and 16. The event marked the summer feast of Saint Demetrius the New. Brought from Vatopedi…

Jul 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ignatie warns passions dehumanize and urges spiritual struggle against sin

Passions bring unrest, fear, and dehumanization, warned Bishop Ignatie of Huși during his homily on the 5th Sunday after Pentecost. “Passions, you must know, never bring peace. No sin can give peace. They bring unrest, fear, and a state of dehumanization,” he said. “That is why—as Saint Dumitru Stăniloae tells us—the devils, just as they…

Jul 16, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch hails bilingual Psalter as fruit of Orthodox cooperation with Vatopedi Monastery

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel underlined that the Vatopedi Psalter “is the result of intensive cooperation between the fathers of Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos and a group of professors from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology ‘Patriarch Justinian’ of the University of Bucharest, under the coordination of the Reverend Professor Constantin Coman.” His Beatitude participated Tuesday…

Jul 16, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Vatopedi Abbot highlights knowledge of God as Church’s greatest gift during Saint Demetrius summer feast in Bucharest

“The greatest gift the Church offers believers is the knowledge of God,” emphasised Archimandrite Ephraim of Vatopedi in his sermon on Sunday at the outdoor altar of Bucharest’s Patriarchal Cathedral. Abbot Ephraim referenced the words of Jesus Christ on eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God,…

Jul 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Vatopedi Abbot awarded Romanian Patriarchate’s highest distinction

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Efrem Koutsou, Abbot of Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, received the highest distinction of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cross. The ceremony took place last Friday in the Hall of the Romanian Saints at the Patriarchal Residence, immediately after the reception of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom. The distinction was…

Jul 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint John Chrysostom’s relic brought to Bucharest: Not only an opportunity for veneration, Patriarch Daniel says

The honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom was brought to the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest from Mount Athos at midday on Friday, marking the summer feast of Saint Demetrius the New. “The presence of Saint John Chrysostom’s relics in Romania is not only an opportunity for veneration and prayer, but also a call to a…

Jul 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Byzantine-era basilica ruins discovered near Fethiye Fortress in Southwestern Turkey

Near the outer walls of the fortified citadel overlooking Fethiye Bay in Muğla Province, southwestern Turkey, archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a basilica likely dating back to the Middle Byzantine period (9th–12th centuries AD). The discovery was made during archaeological excavations conducted by experts from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the…

Jul 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate appoints Fr. Ioan Meiu as new representative to the Holy Land

The Very Rev. Protosyncellus Ioan Meiu will become the new representative of the Romanian Patriarchate to the Holy Land, taking over the position from Archimandrite Teofil Anăstăsoaie, who was recently elected Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău. According to a decision by the Standing Committee of the National Church Council, Fr. Ioan…

Jul 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Oxford University Press to publish Patristic Study Bible led by Romanian Orthodox priest and international scholars

Oxford University Press is preparing a new English translation of the Holy Scriptures—a comprehensive study Bible—in a landmark academic project initiated and co-led by a Romanian Orthodox priest. The Ancient Christian Study Bible (ACSB) The coordinators of the project, titled The Ancient Christian Study Bible (ACSB), are Fr. Eugen Pentiuc, Dean of the Holy Cross…

Jul 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Coptic Archbishop of London meets with Cambridge Orthodox Institute leaders to discuss future collaboration

The Coptic Archbishop of London held a meeting last week with two representatives of the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies (IOCS) in Cambridge. Archbishop Angaelos welcomed Fr. Dragoș Herescu, Director of IOCS, and Fr. John Jillions, the newly appointed Chair of the Institute’s Board of Trustees, at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United…

Jul 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate urges parishes to assist public amid national heatwave and drought

In light of the extremely high temperatures recorded nationwide, the Romanian Patriarchate has issued an appeal to all dioceses to provide support during the heatwave. Parishes and monasteries are encouraged to distribute water to those in need and to offer shelter and moments of rest in the shade to individuals affected by the heat. Church…

Jul 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu