Aurelian Iftimiu

Bucharest skete receives relics of Saint Matrona

The Darvari Skete in Bucharest has received a relic of Saint Matrona of Moscow, which was brought out for public veneration on Tuesday evening following the Bridegroom Matins. The relic was offered by a Russian metropolitan impressed by the Romanian community’s devotion to the saint, especially after seeing an image of her icon displayed prominently…

Apr 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Synod consecrates Holy Chrism for 23rd time in historic Holy Thursday Liturgy

On Holy Thursday, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church consecrated the Holy Chrism for the 23rd time during the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the outdoor altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. The event was part of a broader series of celebrations marking the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. The consecration of Holy…

Apr 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s Message for Holy Pascha: Humble, merciful love is stronger than sin and death

In a video message for Holy Pascha 2025, Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church reflected on the deep spiritual significance of Pascha, emphasizing that it is not merely a historical commemoration, but a living experience of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and victory over death. Recalling the Last Supper, His Beatitude explained that Jesus Christ instituted…

Apr 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian children from Belgium discover monastic life and prayer at “Little Hesychast” Camp in Switzerland

Children from the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Antwerp, Belgium, took part last week in the “Little Hesychast” Camp, organized at the “Protection of the Mother of God” Monastery in Switzerland. The camp’s main goal was to bring children and teenagers closer to monastic life and help them learn the Jesus Prayer. The children attended the…

Apr 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

In first Easter pastoral letter as Bishop of Sălaj, Benedict says God helps us carry burdens beyond our strength

In his first Easter Pastoral Letter, His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj reflected on the burdens of earthly life accompanied by God’s generous presence. He emphasized that the Resurrection of Christ is not merely a future promise but a present reality that allows us to begin tasting eternal life now. “A beginning is always difficult—but…

Apr 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif celebrates first liturgy in new Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in London on Palm Sunday

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe celebrated the first Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the new Archdiocesan Cathedral “Saint George the Great Martyr” in London, following extensive restoration works completed after the acquisition of the new church building. Hundreds of Romanian faithful from the British capital participated in the Palm Sunday service.…

Apr 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Easter message from Metropolitan Nicolae: Live as those freed from death and Hades through Christ

“As we proclaim the Resurrection of the Lord in these days, we ought to reflect with understanding upon the blessings revealed to us in the Resurrection Hymn,” wrote Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas in his Easter Pastoral Letter. “Let us live as those who have been freed from death and…

Apr 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel blesses start of Chrism preparation, calls it a sign of reverence for Christ the sacrificial

On Monday morning, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel officiated the blessing of the ingredients and vessels in which the Holy and Great Chrism will be prepared and stored. “It expresses the Church’s reverence for Christ the sacrificial,” declared the Patriarch of Romania at the end of the service. After its preparation, the chrism will be transported…

Apr 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s Easter Pastoral Letter 2025: The light and joy of Christ’s resurrection offer meaning to universal history

In his pastoral letter for Holy Pascha 2025, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, proclaimed the Resurrection of Christ as the cornerstone of Christian faith and the foundation of hope for all humanity. Addressing clergy and faithful, the Patriarch described Holy Pascha as the “Feast of Feasts,” underscoring its significance as…

Apr 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel on Palm Sunday: The most precious myrrh offered to Christ is the soul of the faithful

On Palm Sunday, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel spoke about the gifts the Church offers to Christ, emphasizing that the greatest of these is the soul of the faithful and merciful believer. In his sermon delivered at the “St. George” Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence, His Beatitude reflected on the significance of the Anointing at Bethany.…

Apr 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabia Orthodox bishops join charity campaign to support Easter meals for needy families

Hierarchs from the Metropolis of Bessarabia were seen on Saturday shopping in various commercial centers—not for themselves, but for the Easter meals of families in need. After expressing support last week for the national campaign “The Table of Joy” (Masa Bucuriei), the bishops are now directly involved in the initiative organized by the Diaconia Social…

Apr 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu