Aurelian Iftimiu

Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate marks 35 years since reestablishment with year-long celebrations

This year, the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate of the Romanian Patriarchate celebrates 35 years since its reestablishment. This historic milestone will be marked with various events throughout the year. Essay Contest for Ukrainian Children The first event, a contest for children and youth from the Ukrainian community in Romania, will begin in February and run for…

Jan 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Renowned theologians to gather in Bucharest for Symposium on the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea

Internationally renowned theologians and professors will participate in the symposium “The First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325): Orthodox Faith – The Foundation of Church Unity” organized by the Romanian Patriarchate from May 13 to 17 in Bucharest. Distinguished Participants The list of notable guests includes: His Eminence Metropolitan Job (Getcha) of Pisidia (Ecumenical Patriarchate), His…

Jan 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Varlaam urges rediscovery of Christian unity during Prayer Week celebration

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești represented His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel at the fourth evening of prayer for Christian unity this year, which took place Tuesday evening at the Armenian Archdiocesan Cathedral “Archangels Michael and Gabriel” in Bucharest. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held worldwide from January 18-25, is focused this year on…

Jan 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Community in Cyprus holds Vasilopita cutting tradition: An act of communion

The Romanian community in Cyprus held its annual Vasilopita cutting event, a local tradition dedicated to honouring Saint Basil the Great. The event was organized last week at the headquarters of the Romanian Alliance in Cyprus. Father Petre Matei, the priest of the Romanian Orthodox community in Cyprus, conducted the service preceding the cutting of…

Jan 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Kretzulescu Parish welcomes new deacon with Egyptian roots: Called to mission among youth

Sunday saw the ordination to the diaconate of Hany El-Sayed Ismail, a 39-year-old with Egyptian roots. The ordination was officiated by His Grace Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova at Kretzulescu church in Bucharest. Hany’s grandfather was Egyptian, and although he was born in Romania, he was given uncommon names for the region. As Assistant Bishop…

Jan 20, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Paisie warns of rising Christianophobia and the need for spiritual unity

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia represented Patriarch Daniel at the first evening of prayer for Christian unity this year, held Saturday at the Parcul Domeniilor-Cașin Church in Bucharest. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed worldwide from January 18 to 25, is guided this year by the theme, “Do you believe this?” (John…

Jan 20, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Parish in Sydney to build St. Callinicus Cultural and Missionary Centre

The Parish Council of the Romanian Orthodox Parish “Saint Mary” in Sydney has decided to begin construction on the Cultural, Missionary, and Social Centre “Saint Callinicus of Cernica” in Sydney, Australia. The announcement was made on Saturday during a parish meeting attended by Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand. His Grace was briefed on…

Jan 20, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Byzantine monastery with Bible-quoting mosaic floor unearthed in southern Israel

Israeli researchers have discovered a Byzantine monastic complex over 1,500 years old in southern Israel. According to the Israel Antiquities Authority, a large colourful mosaic was found on the floor of the ruins during excavations for the construction of a new neighbourhood. The mosaic features an Old Testament inscription from Deuteronomy 28:6: “Blessed are you when you…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Historic invitation: Romanian Patriarch may visit Republic of Moldova for first time

The hierarchs of the Metropolis of Bessarabia have expressed their desire for the Romanian Patriarch to visit the Republic of Moldova. This could mark the first visit of a Romanian Patriarch beyond the Prut River. The invitation was formalized following the Metropolitan Synod held Thursday in Chişinău. The Synod expressed its intention to officially invite…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Press Release: Key Dates and Events of the 2025 Centennial Year in the Romanian Patriarchate

The year 2025 has been proclaimed the Solemn Year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Commemorative Year of 20th-century Romanian Orthodox Spiritual Fathers and Confessors. In this context, several significant events are scheduled to take place in the coming months. Highlights include: February 4, 2025 – Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate The…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Local Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia charts path for 2025

The Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened Thursday for a working session chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chişinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. Joining him were Bishop Antonie of Bălți and Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, as the Synod delved into key matters concerning the spiritual, pastoral,…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu