Aurelian Iftimiu

Saints Paisius Olaru and Cleopas Ilie honoured at Sihăstria Monastery

Saints Paisius Olaru and Cleopas Ilie were commemorated on Saturday at Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County during a memorial service officiated by His Grace Assistant Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani. Although the two ascetics were declared saints on July 12 by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, memorial services remain allowed until their official…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Vienna subway workers blessed by Romanian priest on St Barbara’s day

Saint Barbara, the protectress of miners, is celebrated on December 4 not only by the Orthodox Church but also by other Christian denominations. Blessing Workers in Vienna’s Subway Tunnels In Austria, a strong tradition marks this day with blessings for miners and infrastructure tunnel workers to ensure their safety. For the first time, an Orthodox…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Holidays are no excuse or obstacle to doing good for our neighbour, Patriarch Daniel explains

On Sunday, during the Divine Liturgy at the historical chapel of “St. George the Great Martyr” at the Patriarchal Residence, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized the necessity of performing good deeds at all times, even on holy days. Goodness Knows No Rest His Beatitude explained that no occasion, including religious celebrations, should prevent believers from…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel meets Swiss Ambassador Massimo Baggi at the Patriarchal Residence

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed His Excellency Mr. Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to Romania, during a courtesy visit at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest. Patriarch Daniel warmly welcomed Ambassador Baggi, acknowledging his extensive diplomatic and academic experience. His Beatitude highlighted the strong friendship and cooperation between Romania and…

Dec 7, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Saint Nicholas has become a symbol of Christian civilization centered on generosity

“Throughout the centuries, Saint Nicholas has become a symbol of a Christian civilization where generosity holds a central place,” said Patriarch Daniel in his homily on Friday. “He became popular not because he was highly educated, built extensively, or wrote prolifically, but because he showed great humble and merciful love. He defended the oppressed, the…

Dec 7, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Saint Nicholas’ virtues inspire all generations, especially young people

On December 5, 2024, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church addressed participants at the cultural-artistic event “Saint Nicholas Among the Children,” highlighting Saint Nicholas’s spiritual legacy as a model of generosity, humility, and faith. The Patriarch underscored the saint’s enduring impact as a protector of children, defender of the oppressed, and helper of…

Dec 7, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate hosts Greek delegation led by Metropolitan Theologos of Serres and Nigrita

His Grace Varlaam of Ploiești, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop and Secretary of the Holy Synod, received a delegation from the Orthodox Church of Greece, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Theologos of Serres and Nigrita, at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest on Friday afternoon, December 6, 2024. Bishop Varlaam warmly welcomed Metropolitan Theologos and expressed gratitude for…

Dec 7, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Parish in Melbourne celebrates patronal feast and Romania’s National Day

The “Saint Philothea of Argeș” Parish in Melbourne, Australia, celebrated its patronal feast early on Sunday, coinciding with Romania’s National Day. To mark the dual celebration, His Grace Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand presided over the services within the parish community. After the Divine Liturgy, His Grace led a Te Deum service, expressing…

Dec 5, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Teofan meets Israeli Deputy Ambassador in Iași

His Eminence Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina met last week in Iași with His Excellency Rami Teplitskiy, Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Romania. The discussions emphasized the importance of cooperation between Romania and Israel, highlighting the historical and cultural ties that unite the two nations. Topics of mutual interest were explored, particularly the role…

Dec 5, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint George of Cernica’s feast day: This celebration matters only if we leave determined to purify our souls

On Tuesday, His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Cernica Monastery in honour of Saint George, the monastery’s founder. The Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop emphasized that the significance of this feast lies in the commitment to spiritual cleansing. “The celebration here is meaningful and fulfils its purpose only if we…

Dec 5, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

New spiritual fathers urged by Patriarch Daniel not to give advice based on their own opinion: Say what is written in the Gospel

On Wednesday, Patriarch Daniel invested fourteen priests as confessors (spiritual fathers) in the Archdiocese of Bucharest, offering them several recommendations for their new spiritual role, including avoiding personal opinions. The event took place in the “St. George the Great Martyr” Chapel at the Patriarchal Residence. His Beatitude emphasized that confessors should enlighten the faithful with…

Dec 5, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu