Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox community in Faenza receives historic church as a Christmas gift

This Christmas brought a remarkable gift to Romanians in Faenza, Italy: the Roman Catholic Diocese of Faenza-Modigliana donated the historic San Rocco Church to the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy for use by the local Romanian parish. The donation agreement was signed on December 18 by His Grace Bishop Siluan of Italy and Monsignor Mario…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

The heavens declare the glory of God: King David’s psalm depicted in mosaic inside National Cathedral dome

The iconographic ensemble of the Great Dome in Romania’s National Cathedral now features a mosaic representation of Psalm 18 of King David at its base: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of His hands. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.” The Orthodox Creed…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Royal Family joins Christmas Liturgy in Săvârșin

Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, and His Royal Highness Prince Radu, accompanied by Princesses Sofia and Maria, attended the Divine Liturgy on December 26 in Săvârșin Parish, Arad County. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Timotei of Arad. During his sermon, the Archbishop highlighted the celebration of the Synaxis…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Parish in Borås acquires its own church building

The Romanian Orthodox Parish in Borås has successfully completed the purchase of its own place of worship, as announced by the Diocese of Northern Europe via social media. On Christmas Day, Bishop Macarie blessed the planned renovation works for the newly acquired church building. “We look to the future with optimism, hoping this church will…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Church in Tokyo celebrates milestone with new iconography

The Romanian Orthodox Church in Tokyo concludes the year with a significant achievement: the adornment of its interior with iconography and frescoes. “With great joy, we share the celebration of Christ’s Nativity from the Bethlehem of Japan! This year, God’s abundant blessings have beautified our church through paintings and icons,” the parish representatives posted on…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Community of Mount Athos announces new measures for pilgrim access

The Holy Community of Mount Athos has officially announced new measures regarding the access of pilgrims, which will come into effect from January 1, 2025. The decision was made due to the increasing number of visitors and to not disrupt monastic life and the prayer schedule. According to the new regulations, the maximum number of…

Dec 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

St. Stephen, Protector of diaconal ministry: Bishop Varlaam congratulates deacons for their mission

„The feast day of Saint Stephen the Archdeacon is also the patronal day of the deacons and archdeacons of our Church,” reminded His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, secretary of the Holy Synod, at the end of the Divine Liturgy celebrated on Friday at the Patriarchal Cathedral. „Therefore, today at the Divine Liturgy,…

Dec 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel reflects on Saint Joseph, legal father of Baby Jesus: Man’s salvation is prepared in a faithful family

„Among people, the one who helped Baby Jesus the most was Righteous Joseph,” said Patriarch Daniel on Sunday. „Joseph was not the father of the Baby, who is born eternally from the Father without a mother, as God, and was born on earth from a mother without a father, as Man. But Joseph is the…

Dec 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s Christmas Homily: The world is sanctified through Christ’s birth as a divine gift for humanity

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel presided over the festal Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral on Wednesday, marking the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, and explained that “by coming into the world, Jesus sanctifies the world as a gift from God to humanity.” His Beatitude referred to the Saviour’s humble obedience to God the…

Dec 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia attends Inauguration of President Maia Sandu of Moldova

On Tuesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia attended the presidential inauguration of Her Excellency Maia Sandu as President of the Republic of Moldova. The event took place at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău during a joint session of the Parliament and the Constitutional Court, in the presence of over 500 guests. Metropolitan…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Welcoming Christ in our hearts and souls after the fasting season: Bishop Mihail’s Christmas encyclical

In his Christmas encyclical, Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand explains that the fast we conclude on the feast of the Nativity of our Lord allows us to receive the Infant Jesus, making Him a dwelling place in our hearts and souls. “Sanctifying our soul and body through repentance, through reading the Holy Scriptures,…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu