Aurelian Iftimiu

First Celebration of Saint Gerasimus of Tismana: He overcame sins and passions through holiness

Recently canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Venerable Martyr Gerasimus was celebrated for the first time last week at Tismana Monastery in Gorj County, alongside Saint Nicodemus, the founder of the monastic settlement. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia, who highlighted the similarities between…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Key decisions of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2024: Canonizations, Diaspora growth, and Centenary preparations

In 2024, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church issued several significant resolutions that shaped the spiritual and organizational life of Romanian Orthodox communities both in the country and abroad. Retrospective Overview The Synod’s decisions were made gradually, responding to the evolving needs of the faithful. A notable example was the elevation of the…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Spiritual Support for Prisoners: Metropolis of Bessarabia and Romanian Embassy donate books to Chișinău Penitentiary

Last week, the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Romanian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova made a donation of spiritual and Romanian literature books to Penitentiary No. 9 – Pruncul in Chișinău. A congratulatory and blessing message from Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia was conveyed by Hieromonk Gurie Dumbrava, who expressed gratitude to the staff of…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian 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