Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Serafim of Germany marks 35 years of episcopal ministry

On Tuesday, March 11, His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central, and Northern Europe celebrates 35 years of episcopal ministry. He was ordained as Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sibiu, bearing the title “Bishop of Făgărăș”, shortly after the fall of communism, on March 11, 1990. Early Life and Education Born on September 4,…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

First feast day of Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj: A martyr for religious education

On Saturday, Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Maramureș, and Sălaj celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Cluj-Napoca, marking the first official feast day of Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj following his canonization. In his sermon titled “Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj, Martyr for Catechesis,” Metropolitan Andrei emphasized that the saint “died for the religious…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Faith prevails over ideology – Patriarch Daniel on Religious Education in schools

On Sunday, marking 35 years of episcopal ministry and the first feast day of Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj, Patriarch Daniel spoke about the reintroduction of religious education in Romanian schools—a significant achievement of the Romanian Orthodox Church after the fall of communism, in which His Beatitude played an important role. The Patriarch of Romania…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s Emergency Chief calls on priests to help prevent wildfires

Raed Arafat, head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), is seeking the help of Orthodox priests in rural parishes to raise awareness and reduce the number of wildfires affecting Romania’s forests and fields. During a press conference on Sunday, Arafat urged priests to read a message after the Divine Liturgy warning parishioners about the…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian village priest joins animal welfare effort to promote pet sterilization

Father Caesar Cranta, parish priest of the Micșuneștii Mari community in Ilfov County, has been going door to door alongside members of the Animal Protection Agency, urging residents of Nuci commune to sterilize their dogs and cats. “As a village priest, I am often the first to witness the struggles of certain people, especially those…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel marks 35 years as bishop: He strives day and night to fulfil his ministry to the highest degree possible

On Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel was honored on the occasion of his 35th anniversary of episcopal ministry. Before delivering the congratulatory message, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești presented the volume “The Church’s Work in Society in 2024,” authored by Patriarch Daniel. A Life of Episcopal…

Mar 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox delegation meets Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II in Cairo

A delegation of Romanian Orthodox hierarchs, priests, and pilgrims traveling through Egypt was received at the patriarchal residence in Cairo by Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The delegation included Bishops Nicodim of Severin and Strehaia, Andrei of Covasna and Harghita, Nestor of Deva and Hunedoara, and assistant Bishop Gherontie of Hunedoara. Pilgrimage…

Mar 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania honours anti-communist political prisoners in Bucharest memorial service

On Sunday, anti-communist political prisoners were commemorated at the “Wings” Monument in Piața Presei Libere (Free Press Square), Bucharest. The memorial event began with the singing of the national anthem and a memorial service officiated by Father Lucian Georgescu, dean of Sector 1 in Bucharest, alongside an assembly of Orthodox clergy. “On this day, the…

Mar 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodoxy in Northern Europe: Bishop Macarie meets catechumens preparing for Baptism on Pascha

His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe met last week with young catechumens of various nationalities who are preparing to receive Holy Baptism in the Romanian Orthodox Church on the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord. During the week, His Grace Macarie catechized several Danish catechumens in Odense, Denmark. On Saturday, while celebrating the…

Mar 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel on First Sunday of Lent: The Orthodox icon is a confession of true faith

In his sermon on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized the theological significance of holy icons, declaring, “The Orthodox Icon is a confession of the true faith, a testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ, who became man for the salvation of humankind.” Speaking at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, the Primate of…

Mar 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox bishops in Germany issue pastoral letter on the meaning of Great Lent

Orthodox bishops in Germany have addressed the faithful through a pastoral letter, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Great Lent: “Our world is marked by wars, crises, and injustices. Many people experience persecution, violence, and fear. During this time, we, as Christians, are called not only to pray for peace but also to act actively in…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu