Aurelian Iftimiu

35 years since the reactivation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate in Romania

Sunday marked 35 years since the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate’s re-establishment under the Romanian Patriarchate’s jurisdiction. Following the fall of the atheist communist regime, Orthodox Ukrainians in Romania sought the blessing of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Church to reinstate the Ukrainian Vicariate, which had been dissolved by the communist authorities in 1952. The initiative…

Mar 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Joan of Korçë elected new Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania has elected Metropolitan Joan (Pelushi) of Korçë as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. The election process took place on Sunday in Tirana following the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Joan is regarded as the spiritual son of the late Archbishop Anastasios and is expected…

Mar 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian priests urge vigilance amid widespread wildfires

Over 13,000 hectares have been affected by vegetation fires this month, prompting many dioceses to collaborate with regional and county representatives of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations to raise awareness among the faithful. Church and Firefighters Issue Joint Appeal In the Metropolis of Oltenia and the Archdioceses of Suceava and Rădăuți, as well as…

Mar 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

The world changes through the inner revolution of each of us, Oradea Bishop says

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Bishop Sofronie of Oradea emphasized the stark contrast between the flood of negative images in contemporary society and the role of holy icons as windows to another reality—the Kingdom of God. Icons as a Remedy for a Troubled Society “How many distressing images—of turmoil, anarchy, malice, and violence—are spread across…

Mar 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Future priests in the UK to undergo theological exam before ordination

The Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is set to hold its first priesthood competency exam in early April, assessing future clergy before their ordination. Theological and Canonical Assessment The exam is open to theology graduates specializing in Pastoral Theology, who are spiritual sons of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern…

Mar 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Ambassador discusses cultural and spiritual cooperation with Metropolis of Bessarabia

His Excellency Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, paid an official visit on Tuesday to the headquarters of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in Chișinău. With the blessing of His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories, the ambassador was received by…

Mar 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox hierarchs unite for pan-Orthodox Vespers in Chicago

On the eve of the first Sunday of Lent, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Chicago became a beacon of living faith and Orthodox unity. Faithful from across the metropolitan area, along with their clergy and hierarchs, gathered to venerate the holy icons and participate in a Pan-Orthodox Vespers service…

Mar 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Nectarie undertakes first pastoral visit to Iceland: Reykjavik parish dedicated to the Lord’s Resurrection

His Grace Bishop Nectarie, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, conducted his first pastoral visit to Iceland on March 8-9, 2025. The Reykjavik Parish organized the event in collaboration with România Nordică, the most prominent association of Romanians on the island. Meeting with the Romanian Community On Saturday, Bishop Nectarie met with members…

Mar 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova exhumed ahead of local canonization ceremony

The relics of Saint Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova were exhumed on Tuesday at the “Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite” Monastery in Vasiova, where his tomb is located. The special exhumation rite was officiated by Bishop Lucian of Caransebeș, accompanied by numerous clergy and monastics. Following the exhumation, the honourable relics were placed in the…

Mar 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church in Ecuador gains official recognition

A historic milestone for Romanian Orthodoxy in Latin America recently took place in Quito, Ecuador, where the Romanian Orthodox Church “Saint Joseph the New of Partoș” obtained legal recognition. This official status marks a crucial step in strengthening the canonical Orthodox presence in the region. Among those present at this landmark event was Rev. Vicar…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate calls for prayer and solidarity amid worsening wildfires

As wildfires continue to spread across multiple regions of Romania, the Romanian Patriarchate urges clergy and faithful in all dioceses to unite in prayer and solidarity. On Sunday, March 16, 2025, during the Divine Liturgy, special petitions “for times of great need and human peril” will be included in the Great Litany and the Litany…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu