Aurelian Iftimiu

Synodal Decree of the Romanian Orthodox Church for canonization of 20th-century Saints

In a significant event marking the centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has officially proclaimed the sainthood of sixteen confessors and spiritual fathers, recognizing their exemplary lives and martyrdom during the tumultuous times of the 20th century. The decree, issued on February 4, 2025, honours priests and monks…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church proclaims 16 newly canonized Saints on Patriarchate Centennial

The Romanian Orthodox Church officially proclaimed sixteen newly canonized saints on Tuesday, during a historic ceremony at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, attended by Patriarch Daniel and the members of the Holy Synod. The proclamation ceremony took place after the Divine Liturgy, marking the 100th anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate. The event gathered members of…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church marks 100 years since becoming a Patriarchate

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates 100 years since the Holy Synod approved the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. This decision elevated Patriarch Miron Cristea, then Archbishop of Bucharest and Metropolitan of Ungro-Wallachia (Muntenia), as the first Patriarch of Romania. The Romanian Parliament officially recognized the Synodal decision through a special…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Photo gallery: Final memorial service ahead of canonization ceremony of 16 new Romanian Saints

His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești officiated on Monday, February 3, a final memorial service at the Patriarchal Cathedral for the new sixteen Romanian saints, whose canonization will be proclaimed on February 4. To see more photos from the event, go to our Facebook page. Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene

Feb 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Final memorial service ahead of proclaiming 16 new Romanian Saints: We need their intercessions

On Monday evening, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, secretary of the Holy Synod, officiated the final memorial service for sixteen newly canonized Orthodox confessors and martyrs of the 20th century ahead of their official proclamation as saints. “We are the ones in need of the prayers and intercession of these chosen ones of God,”…

Feb 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

“Dare to Be Different” – Bishop Damaschin urges youth to preserve their freedom for God

On Orthodox Youth Day, Bishop Damaschin of Dorna, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, encouraged young people to think differently, resist conforming to societal trends, and uphold Christian values. “Do not be afraid to be different, to stand out from the trend, to distinguish yourselves—without judging those who think, speak, and live…

Feb 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox community in Ireland honours Saint Brigid of Kildare with liturgy and pilgrimage

On Saturday, the Romanian Orthodox faithful from “The Descent of the Holy Spirit and Saint Colman” Parish in Newbridge, Ireland, celebrated Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland’s patron saints. The community was honoured by the presence of His Grace Bishop Nectarie, the recently enthroned Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland, who presided over…

Feb 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Youth Day celebrated worldwide on February 2

Orthodox Youth Day is observed annually on February 2, marking an occasion for young Orthodox Christians worldwide to celebrate their faith and community. This International Day was established in June 1992 during the 14th General Assembly of Syndesmos – The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth. The initiative received the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and…

Feb 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Moldova Census reveals Orthodox majority, rising urbanization, and aging demographics

The National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova has released the preliminary results of the 2024 Population Census, conducted last year. The data shows that while 95% of the population identifies as Orthodox Christian, the country’s total population has decreased by nearly 14% compared to the previous census conducted a decade ago. Another…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate to celebrate its Centennial with special liturgical events at the Patriarchal Cathedral

The liturgical events at the Patriarchal Cathedral marking the Centennial Anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate will take place according to the following schedule: On Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM, after the conclusion of Vespers, a final memorial service will be held at the Patriarchal Cathedral in honor of the 16 Romanian saints who…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Albania bids farewell to Archbishop Anastasios as Orthodox leaders gather in Tirana

The entire Orthodox world bid farewell on Thursday to Archbishop Anastasios, the man who revived the Church of Albania after years of suffering and persecution under communism. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the funeral service at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana. Joining the full synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church, the funeral was attended…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu