Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saints Paisius and Cleopas emerge fragrant during exhumation in Romania, Bishop calls it a “sign of divine grace”

Assistant Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani, from the Archdiocese of Iași, emphasized that the day the relics of Saints Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopas (Ilie) of Sihăstria were uncovered “will remain for us not only a historic day but one deeply engraved in our souls—a day on which we all witnessed how God works on earth even…

Apr 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Greek pilgrims visit Romanian Orthodox sites in Bucharest to strengthen ties between sister Churches

A group of Greek pilgrims, led by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida and Bishop Nicodemus of Skopelos, visited several religious sites in Bucharest on Monday. At the Patriarchal Palace, the pilgrims were welcomed by the Bucharest Archdiocese’s Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova. Following the palace tour, the two Greek hierarchs held talks with Assistant Bishop Timotei.…

Apr 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Sihăstria Monastery hosts exhumation of Saints Paisius and Cleopas relics in view of local canonization

The relics of Saints Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopas (Ilie) of Sihăstria were exhumed on Monday and placed in specially crafted reliquaries. The special exhumation service was officiated by Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia and Assistant Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani from the Archdiocese of Iași. The personal belongings of the two revered monks, preserved in their…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada to celebrate 8th anniversary with symposium and religious events

The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada invites faithful from across the diocese to participate in the Diocesan Anniversary Days, taking place from May 2 to May 4, marking eight years since its establishment (2017–2025). The event highlights the steadfastness of Romanian Orthodoxy in Canada, while 2025 carries multiple significant anniversaries for the Orthodox faith and…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint Seraphim the Enduring exhumed in Romania ahead of local canonization ceremony

The relics of Saint Seraphim the Enduring of Sâmbăta de Sus were exhumed on Saturday during a religious ceremony. The exhumation service was celebrated by Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania, together with Bishop Andrei of Covasna and Harghita, Assistant Bishop Ilarion of Făgăraș (Archdiocese of Sibiu), and Assistant Bishop Sofian of Brașov (Archdiocese of Germany, Austria,…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ontario Orthodox Christians celebrate first official Orthodox Christian Week after provincial recognition

Canadians in the province of Ontario celebrated Orthodox Christian Week for the first time following its official recognition by the regional legislature. The inaugural reception took place on Bright Tuesday at the Ontario Parliament building, Queen’s Park. Orthodox Christian Week will now be observed annually during Bright Week, which begins with Orthodox Easter, celebrated according…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint George named Patron of Liver Transplantation in Romania during National Transplant Day ceremony

Saint George the Great Martyr was named the patron of liver transplantation in Romania during an event held at the Library of the Romanian Academy on April 11. The saint was chosen because the first two liver transplant recipients in Romania were both named Gheorghe (George). The patriarchal decree was read during the National Transplant…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Bishop in Ireland: The path to Resurrection does not pass through the stomach

In his first pastoral letter, Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland urged the faithful to look beyond material joys and reminded them that the journey toward Christ’s Resurrection and salvation is not one of bodily indulgence. “The Christian teaching is one full of joy—something far deeper than what we typically call optimism. And Holy Pascha…

Apr 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Siluan of Italy mourns Pope Francis, thanks him for support to Romanian Orthodox communities

A condolence message from Bishop Siluan of Italy was published in Italian on the official website of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy following the passing of Pope Francis, who reposed on Monday, April 21, at 07:35 (Rome time) in Vatican City after a period of illness. In his message, Bishop Siluan expressed both sorrow…

Apr 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

President Maia Sandu meets Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, highlights Church’s role in promoting peace and social support

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia met with President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova on Friday at the Presidential Palace in Chișinău. President Sandu emphasised the essential role played by the Romanian Orthodox Church, through the Metropolis of Bessarabia, in the lives of local communities, not only as a guardian of Christian values…

Apr 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanians in Australia First to Celebrate Easter with Midnight Liturgy in Melbourne: All of creation receives light and peace

Romanians from the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand were the first in the diaspora to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, around 5:00 p.m. Romanian time. Over 20,000 Romanians currently reside in Australia. The Paschal midnight service was celebrated by Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand at the “Life-Giving Spring” Monastery in Melbourne.…

Apr 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu