Aurelian Iftimiu

1700 years since the First Ecumenical Council: Theology scholar presents context of Nicaea

In an interview with Lumina Newspaper, Rev. Prof. Viorel Ioniță reflected on the historical and theological context of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which marks its 1700th anniversary this year. Father Ioniță, an honorary patriarchal counselor and experienced professor of theology, discussed the reasons for convening the Council, the preserved documents, its impact on…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop visits Nicaea, marking 1700 years since the First Ecumenical Council

On Monday, Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar visited Nicaea, the city where the First Ecumenical Council was held 1,700 years ago. The visit is part of an extensive pilgrimage from February 6 to 11, covering several monasteries and historic sites in Cappadocia and Asia Minor. Among the significant stops was the church where the…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Czech Ambassador meets Romanian Patriarch, discusses Romanian community in the Czech Republic

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Romania, His Excellency Martin Košatka, at the Patriarchal Residence on Wednesday. During his visit, Ambassador Košatka toured the Patriarchal Residence Museum and the Hall of Romanian Saints. Following the meeting, the ambassador expressed his appreciation: “It was a great honor for me to be received…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Assistant Bishop Benedict explores digital spirituality at national church media colloquium

Assistant Bishop Benedict of Bistrița delivered a presentation on digital spirituality on Friday at the National Colloquium “Church Press at the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate”, held in Bucharest from February 6 to 8. His paper, titled “Digital Spirituality – Concept and Forms of Expression: A General Overview”, explored both the opportunities and risks associated…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop meets Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during pilgrimage in Asia Minor

Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar, leading a group of 52 pilgrims, visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his residence in Constantinople on Saturday. His Holiness welcomed the Romanian pilgrims and highlighted the strong ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church. He also spoke about the modern Christian’s responsibilities in today’s globalized…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Greek Ambassador to Romania visits Tulcea County to discuss bilateral cooperation

Greek Ambassador to Romania, Her Excellency Lili-Evangelia Grammatika, accompanied by Consul Euthymios Fokas and Greece’s Honorary Consul in Constanța, Theodoros Skandalides, visited Tulcea County on Friday, February 7. During the visit, Ambassador Grammatika met with His Grace Bishop Visarion, who presented her with an icon depicting the Virgin Mary. The Greek diplomat also held discussions…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch calls for humble prayer and increased almsgiving as Triodion period begins

In his sermon on the first Sunday of the Triodion period, Patriarch Daniel emphasized that believers are entering a time of intensified humble prayer, increased reading or listening to the Holy Scriptures, more frequent confession and Eucharistic communion, as well as greater almsgiving towards those in need. The Romanian Orthodox Patriarch explained the significance and…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel calls for continued Orthodox media presence as Lumina Newspaper turns 20

As the Romanian Patriarchate celebrates a century of existence, this year also marks an important milestone for Lumina Newspaper, the first and only daily Orthodox newspaper in the world. Established on February 7, 2005, as a visionary project of the Church’s mission, Lumina Newspaper has grown from a regional publication to a nationwide and global…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod meeting: Decisions on Church discipline, clerical appointments, and new liturgical texts

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church met for a working session at the “Patriarch Teoctist” Aula Magna of the Patriarchal Palace, under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. Following the election of a new Assistant Bishop for the Archdiocese of Chișinău, the Holy Synod adopted several decisions…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

When does Great Lent begin in 2025?

In less than a month, Orthodox Christians will begin Great Lent, the most significant and strictest fasting period of the year, leading up to Holy Pascha. Sunday, February 9, marks the start of the Triodion period, which includes a three-week liturgical preparation ahead of Lent. The first day of Great Lent 2025 falls on Monday,…

Feb 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian community restores church near Paris in historic Van Gogh village

Eight years after being acquired by the Romanian Orthodox community, the Church of Saint Anthimos the Iberian in Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune 30 km from Paris, is undergoing extensive restoration. Currently, restoration efforts focus on the interior frescoes and the renovation of the courtyard. Ongoing Restoration Efforts Shortly after its acquisition, the church was adapted to…

Feb 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu