Aurelian 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

Pastoral Letter of the Holy Synod for the Sunday of Orthodoxy 2025

In its traditional pastoral letter for the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church emphasizes the pedagogical role of holy icons, which serve as guides leading to Christ, the Source of all holiness. Within the context of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Synod states: “For us, Romanians, the Sunday…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Great Lent 2025: Bishop Ioan Casian speaks on forgiveness and detachment from material things

On Forgiveness Sunday, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Episcopal Cathedral in Saint-Hubert, Canada, delivering a message to the faithful on forgiveness and detachment from material things. “In today’s Gospel passage, our Lord Jesus Christ prepares us for the upcoming liturgical period of Great Lent,” the bishop said. Continuing his…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox community in Southampton secures historic church linked to Titanic’s legacy

The Romanian Orthodox community in Southampton, United Kingdom, has completed the acquisition of Holy Trinity Church, a historic place of worship that preserves the memory of Titanic victims—the ill-fated ship that set sail for America from this very port. The purchase took place in two stages: the church building was acquired on December 14, 2024,…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Theology Professor: Digital platforms can be Jacob’s Ladder, but cannot replace the Eucharist

At the beginning of Great Lent, the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca shared a series of reflections on Christian mission in the digital space, written by Rev. Professor Cristian Sonea. “Digital platforms can be ‘Jacob’s Ladder,’ a means of guiding people toward a real encounter with Christ in the Church, but they cannot replace…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

7 spiritual lessons on fasting from Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj

Recently canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj offers a profound understanding of Christian fasting, seen not merely as abstaining from certain foods but as a true spiritual struggle. The selected quotes reflect the essential dimensions of fasting and have been chosen symbolically, corresponding to the seven weeks of Great Lent.…

Mar 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu