Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Bishop in Italy congratulates Pope Leo XIV, wishes fruitful apostolate

The Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Italy has sent a message of congratulations to the newly elected Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV, wishing him a fruitful apostolic ministry. “We pray that you may receive from God the strength of a lion and the courage of your predecessors,” said Bishop Siluan to the new Pope, referring…

May 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Restoration plans finalized for Romania’s easternmost church, first in Continental Europe touched by sunrise

The technical documentation for the restoration of the “Saints Nicholas and Alexander” Church in Sulina—known as “the first church in Continental Europe to be touched by the sun”—has been finalized, representatives of the institution announced. The church’s history is closely tied to Romania’s War of Independence. According to Agerpres, the church was built at the…

May 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

George Enescu’s restored birthplace blessed in Liveni on 70th anniversary of composer’s passing

The George Enescu Memorial House, located in the Romanian composer’s native village, was blessed on Sunday following the completion of restoration works. The event commemorated 70 years since George Enescu’s passing. A group of priests led the blessing ceremony, which was headed by Archimandrite Hrisostom Rădășanu, Advisor for the Education Department of the Archdiocese of…

May 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Assistant Bishop Marc of Neamț marks 20 years of episcopal ministry in Western Europe

Assistant Bishop Marc of Neamț of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Western Europe celebrates on Wednesday 20 years since his episcopal ordination. His Grace Bishop Marc of Neamț was born in Paris in 1958 into a Catholic family, where he received a distinguished education, graduating from the Institute of Urbanism and the Faculty of Architecture…

May 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

First Romanian Archbishop of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to be enthroned in London this Saturday

Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be enthroned on Saturday at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of Great Martyr George the Trophy-bearer in London, United Kingdom. The Divine Liturgy and enthronement ceremony will begin at 09:00 AM and will be celebrated by an assembly of hierarchs from both Romania and abroad, led by His…

May 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabia Metropolis to mark Centennial with prayer and national thanksgiving in Chișinău

The Metropolis of Bessarabia will celebrate its centennial on Thursday with a special prayer service at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Chișinău. The Divine Liturgy will be presided over by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, with concelebrants including Bishop Antonie of Bălți, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, and Assistant Bishop Nectarie…

May 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru’s message for Bessarabia Metropolis Centennial: A testimony to the triumph of truth

“Today, May 4, 2025, as we stand before the Holy Altars with gratitude to God and sacred emotion in our hearts, we commemorate with joy and national dignity the 100th anniversary of the elevation of the Archdiocese of Chișinău to the rank of Metropolis,” said Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia on Sunday. “This Centennial Year is…

May 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict urges youth to seek mentors and embrace lifelong learning on National Youth Day

On the occasion of Romania’s National Youth Day, His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj conveyed a message of encouragement and guidance to all young people: “Pay close attention to your mentors, learn from them, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.” The bishop encouraged youth to cultivate two essential components for a meaningful and intelligent…

May 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan and Ambassador Muraru visit Las Vegas parish for 30th anniversary celebration

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas and His Excellency Andrei Muraru, Romania’s Ambassador to the United States, visited the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 25 to 27. Romania’s representative in the U.S. accepted the invitation of Mrs. Lia Roberts, Honorary Consul of Romania in Nevada, in the context of the…

May 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland: Romanian communities are well-settled and balanced

A few months after his enthronement as Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, His Grace Bishop Nectarie spoke to Basilica.ro about the communities in his diocese, describing them as well-settled and balanced. At 45, he became the Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, not only because of his youth and enthusiasm. Before reaching this office, His Grace…

May 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Factbox: When does the Orthodox Church celebrate Saint Joseph?

Fewer people know that the Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, the one who cared for the infant Jesus and protected the Virgin Mary, is commemorated not once but twice during the year by the Orthodox Church. The first commemoration takes place on the Sunday of the Forefathers according to the flesh of the Lord, starting with…

May 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu