Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Synod elects new Bishop of Sălaj and initiates 2026 Holy Women canonization

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the working session of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church took place in the Aula Magna “Teoctist Patriarch” of the Patriarchal Palace, under the presidency of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. The session was preceded by a Te Deum service celebrated by His Grace Nectarie of Bogdania, Assistant Bishop…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru: Bessarabia’s 1918 Union was a providential act, not a closed chapter

On Thursday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia delivered a message marking the 107th anniversary of Bessarabia’s Union with Romania, emphasizing God’s work in the history of Romanians beyond the Prut River and the courage of their forebears. “Union, beloved brothers and sisters, is not a closed chapter, but a sacred work that must be…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian village priest finds joy in simplicity and faith amid rural hardships

“My greatest joy is seeing my parishioners come to church,” said Fr. Claudiu Bene, parish priest of a small community in Sălaj County, in an interview with Formula AS. Fr. Claudiu Bene spoke about the pastoral challenges of serving in the village of Inău, Sălaj, where a priest must be constantly present in the life…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolis of Bessarabia supports ban on plastic funeral wreaths in environmental talks

Representatives of the Metropolis of Bessarabia took part in consultations with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova regarding the reduction of plastic funeral wreaths, which are highly polluting. The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Ministry’s headquarters and was attended by Fr. Maxim Melinti, Cultural Advisor to the Archdiocese of Chișinău,…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint-Serge Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris marks Centennial with international events

The “Saint-Serge” Institute in Paris, one of the world’s most important centers for Orthodox theological research, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The centennial celebration program will begin on May 3 with a conference dedicated to the institution’s history. Later, on September 20, an academic day will be held, along with the celebration of…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Greek community in Bucharest honours 1821 Revolution Heroes on National Day

The Greek community in Bucharest commemorated its forebears on Sunday at the Greek Church, in the context of Greece’s National Day. During the Divine Liturgy, the heroes of the Greek Revolution of 1821 were commemorated—an event marking the Greek people’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. Alongside Her Excellency Lili-Evangelia Grammatika, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese funds deep-well project in remote Tanzanian village

The Social Department of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg, coordinated by Fr. Dimitrie Ursache, has funded the digging of a well in the village of Makombe, located in the mountainous Iringa region of central Tanzania. Nun Irina Savu, assigned to the Orthodox Mission Center in Kidamali, Tanzania, visited Makombe in mid-March…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

March 27, 1918: Bessarabia becomes first province to join Greater Romania

On March 27/April 9, 1918, Bessarabia united with Romania, becoming the first province to contribute to the creation of Greater Romania. Historical Context In the lead-up to the union, on February 25/March 5, 1918, the Protocol of Buftea was signed, extending the armistice with the Central Powers and accepting their imposed conditions. Around the same…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Interim President pays tribute to Bessarabian Union founders at Monastery ceremony

Interim President Ilie Bolojan and Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia paid tribute on Wednesday to the founders of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania, during a ceremony at Cernica Monastery in Ilfov County. The interim President of Romania was received by His Grace Bishop Veniamin and Archimandrite Vasile Pîrjol, the abbot of Cernica Monastery, in…

Mar 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch highlights Mother of God as Protectress of families ahead of national March for Life

On Tuesday, the Mother of God is the Protectress of all mothers, parents, and children, emphasized His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania. Especially on the Feast of the Annunciation, “we deeply value God’s blessing upon all families, and especially upon those who give birth to children or foster or adopt them,” said the Patriarch of…

Mar 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox theologian warns of ‘monarchy of the screen’ and dangers of digital addiction in youth lecture

Last week, Rev. Professor Emanoil Băbuș delivered a lecture titled “Are You Real or Virtual?” in Brașov. According to Lumina Newspaper, he spoke to young people about the dangers of the digital environment, which can lead to screen addiction and, over time, the loss of Christian values. “We spend energy for one purpose: the ecstasy…

Mar 24, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu