Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Veniamin: Soviet atheism and secularism have left society spiritually starved

On the feast of the Prophet Elijah (according to the unrevised calendar), His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia reflected on the spiritual needs of Moldovan society, which he said still suffers from a “hunger for the spiritual” due to decades of Soviet atheism and ongoing secularisation. Bishop Veniamin presided over the Divine Liturgy in…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Relic of Saint Haralambos to be venerated in Alexandria, Romania, ahead of Ecclesiastical New Year

The left hand of Saint Haralambos, a treasured relic from the Mega Spileo Monastery in Greece, will be brought to Romania for veneration at the Diocesan Cathedral in Alexandria between August 29 and September 1, in conjunction with the patronal feast of St. Alexander Monastery. The event’s program includes hierarchical liturgies, religious processions, and all-night…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Transfiguration reveals the Church’s radiant icon, Patriarch Daniel says

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania explained on Wednesday that the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord represents “the radiant icon of every church.” Speaking at the end of the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the historic Chapel of Saint George the Trophy-bearer at the Patriarchal Residence, the Patriarch of Romania said that “according to…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel mourns former President Ion Iliescu, advocate of Romania’s democratic Western alignment

Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church expressed condolences Tuesday following the death of former President Ion Iliescu, remembering him as a leader who not only respected the Church but also played a key role in guiding Romania toward democratic reforms and closer alignment with Western values after the fall of communism. “Mr. Ion Iliescu…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch Daniel marks 38 years of monastic life

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church has marked 38 years since his monastic tonsure. The future Patriarch of Romania was tonsured a monk at Sihăstria Monastery on August 5-6, 1987, following the Vespers of the Feast of the Transfiguration. Saint Cleopas Ilie, canonized last year, blessed his decision, became his monastic godfather…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

The Week in Pictures: July 28 – August 3, 2025

This week’s selection of photos captures inspiring moments of prayer, service, and pilgrimage from across the Orthodox world, highlighting recent events in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond. From pilgrimages and pastoral visits to charitable outreach and liturgical celebrations, each image reflects the vibrant spiritual life and deep-rooted faith of…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Christian charity should cultivate love, not self-image

During his Sunday sermon at the historic St. George Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence, Patriarch Daniel of Romania emphasised that the true purpose of Christian social and charitable work is to cultivate merciful love, not to enhance one’s personal image. Spiritual Nourishment Comes First The Patriarch explained that spiritual well-being precedes physical well-being and that…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Microsoft to digitally recreate Notre-Dame Cathedral using AI

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris will be digitally recreated using artificial intelligence, U.S. tech giant Microsoft announced through its president, Brad Smith. The project will be developed by Microsoft’s AI for Good division in partnership with French start-up Iconem and the French Ministry of Culture, according to Euronews. The initiative aims to produce a digital “clone”…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

UK Archbishop Atanasie: Mary’s Dormition is not her burial, but a mystical resurrection

In a pastoral message for the Dormition Fast, Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reflected on the “mystical reversal” depicted in the icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which, he noted, does not portray her burial, but rather a mystical resurrection. A Season of Inner Sweetness The Romanian Orthodox Archbishop…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian 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