Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanians hope to purchase historic church in Sweden: “A Christmas miracle,” Bishop says

The Romanian Orthodox community in Scandinavia is celebrating a historic moment as they intend to acquire their own church in Borås, Sweden. His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe described this goal as “the most beautiful and unique Christmas gift.” “With great joy, I announce that the contract has been signed to purchase a place…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Varlaam celebrates feast of St. Spyridon, who continues to do good after his repose

On Thursday, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “St. Spyridon” Metropolitan Cathedral in Bucharest, marking its patronal feast. Homily on St. Spyiridon’s Life and Miracles In his sermon, Bishop Varlaam spoke about the life and miracles of St. Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous. “St. Spyridon was tirelessly active throughout his…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Varlaam encourages students to preserve the purity of Christmas season

On Thursday evening, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești attended the traditional Christmas carol concert organized by the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest. Addressing the students, he emphasized that Christian holidays should be celebrated with intensity, regardless of the challenges of our times. “Just as true Christians are accustomed to prayer—not merely repeating a…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

December 13: A day honouring printers and Metropolitan Saint Dositheus

December 13 is dedicated to printers, commemorating their peaceful protest in Bucharest for socio-economic rights and press freedom. Nearly 600 printing workers in Romania’s capital ceased their activities and marched to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, joined by other factory workers. Their peaceful demonstration in front of the National Theatre was met with violence…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Church representatives engage in dialogue with new European Parliament members

On Tuesday, representatives of Orthodox Churches to the European Union, alongside other religious communities, met with newly elected members of the European Parliament to emphasize the need for continued and strengthened dialogue between EU institutions and faith communities. The meeting, titled “Article 17 TFEU Dialogue – The importance of intergenerational dialogue in addressing Europe’s future…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil celebrates name day with warm wishes from religious and state leaders

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria celebrated his first name day as Patriarch on Wednesday, coinciding with the feast of St. Daniel the Stylite, following his election earlier this year. Hierarchs from the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church joined their Primate at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Kyriaki (Nedelya) in Sofia, where the…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archdeacon Mihail Bucă receives Metropolitan Cross during historic church consecration in San Antonio, Texas

At the beginning of December, Archdeacon Mihail Bucă, founder of the Tronos Byzantine Choir, visited the Romanian Orthodox Parish in San Antonio, Texas, where His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas awarded him the Metropolitan Cross. Archdeacon Bucă, accompanied by members of the Tronos Choir, participated in the consecration of the newly built church in…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău offers support to families of deceased clergy

Families of deceased priests from the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău received gifts last Saturday as part of the Church’s ongoing support initiatives. “The Church’s care for these families stands as a testament to God’s love, which, through us, becomes tangible and healing,” conveyed His Eminence Archbishop Ioachim in a video message. The event, preceded…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Spanish Interfaith Dialogue Commission Opposes Repeal of Law Protecting Religious Sentiments

The Interfaith Dialogue Commission of Spain issued a statement on Tuesday expressing its disapproval of the proposed repeal of the law criminalizing offences against religious sentiments in Spain’s Penal Code. Among its members was His Grace Bishop Timotei, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal. Concerns Over Legal Reform Religious representatives’ concerns arose after…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

9 quotes on illness, death and enduring hardships from “The Grandfather of Bukovina”, Bishop Gherasim of Putna

Auxiliary Bishop Gherasim of Putna, known as the “Grandfather of Bukovina,” is remembered as one of the most spiritually enlightened fathers of the 20th century. The former abbot of Putna Monastery is frequently described as a symbol of simplicity and humility, a man who “healed through his smile.” The bishop passed away on the night…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Paisie’s Sunday sermon: A call for genuine faith and the danger of religious formalism

On the 27th Sunday after Pentecost, His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the National Cathedral Chapel, emphasizing the importance of living faith authentically while warning against religious formalism. Healing the crippled woman: A symbol of spiritual liberation Reflecting on the Gospel passage about the healing of the crippled…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu