Aurelian Iftimiu

Ahead of Christmas, Bishop Ignatie of Huși reminds us that love for enemies is the criterion of true fellowship with God

In his Christmas encyclical, His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși emphasized that the commandment to love one’s enemies is the ultimate test of genuine communion with God. His message highlighted the lack of love in today’s society and the transformative power of Christ’s love. A World Lacking Love At the start of his pastoral letter,…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

The Church Alongside the Sick: A Year in Review on Healing

Observing the accelerated increase in recent years of people affected by both classic diseases and multiple addictions, the Romanian Orthodox Church dedicated the year now concluding to the pastoral care and assistance of the sick. The declaration of the “Solemn Year of Pastoral Care and Assistance of the Sick” and the “Commemorative Year of all…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Ancient Christian amulet discovered in Frankfurt rewrites regional history

Archaeologists in Frankfurt unearthed an object dating from 230-270 AD, approximately 50 years older than the first known Christian artifacts in the region. Archaeologists say this Christian evidence was found during excavations of a Roman grave in Germany from the 3rd century. A Discovery That Could Change History In Frankfurt, an amulet approximately 1,800 years…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

New English edition of Fr Nicolae Steinhardt’s “Journal of Joy” published in New York

The Journal of Joy, the seminal work by Father Nicolae Steinhardt, has been released in a new English edition by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press in New York. The translation was done by Paul Boboc, with revisions by Peter Andronache. Contributors to the revisions and explanatory notes include Bogdan G. Bucur, Nicolae Drăgușin, Brenda Mikitish, and…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian children from Valletta perform Christmas carols at San Anton Presidential Palace in Malta

Children from the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Valletta held a carol concert on Tuesday at the Russian Chapel of the San Anton Presidential Palace in Malta in the presence of the President of Malta and her husband, Dr Anthony Spiteri Debono. “Although we come from different countries and cultures, we preserve and respect the same…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Portrait of Last Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI Paleologos discovered in Greek Monastery

A unique portrait of Constantine XI Paleologos, the last Byzantine emperor, was recently discovered in the Church of the Monastery of the Holy Archangels in the Aegion region of Greece. According to archaeologists, the painting was created during the Byzantine emperor’s lifetime. The Greek Ministry of Culture announced that archaeologist Anastasia Koumousi uncovered the portrait…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel stresses need for co-responsibility and cooperation in church administration

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a message at the opening of the meeting of the Economic-Financial Sector leaders from the dioceses across the country and the Patriarchal Administration, which took place at the Holy Cross Social-Pastoral Center at Caraiman Monastery from December 17 to 18, 2024. “Consultation at the level of parishes, dioceses, and the…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania and Republic of Moldova unite to celebrate 2025 as ‘Eminescu Year’

Next year marks 175 years since the birth of poet Mihai Eminescu. At the initiative of the Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, 2025 has been declared “Eminescu Year.” The leadership of the two academies decided to propose a series of cultural events and activities for 2025 to emphasize the significance of…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Cutting through the noise: Bishop Ambrozie’s Christmas call to serve and uphold Christ’s teachings

In his 2024 Christmas Pastoral Letter, Bishop Ambrozie of Giurgiu calls for a return to authentic Christian values and compassion, urging the faithful to cut through the overwhelming noise of media and ideologies. Highlighting the joys and sufferings that shape the Christian journey, he emphasizes the Church’s mission to serve others and uphold the teachings…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel welcomes first carolers of the year as “heralds of God’s merciful love”

On Wednesday evening, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the first carolers of the year at the Patriarchal Residence. On this occasion, His Beatitude told the carolers that they are “heralds of God’s merciful love.” Four groups performed carols: The group from “Ion I. C. Brătianu” Secondary School in Bucharest, The “Saint Kyriake” Byzantine Choir from…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Elia of Finland enthroned in historic ceremony in Helsinki

Archbishop Elia of Finland was enthroned last Sunday at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Helsinki during a historic ceremony attended by over 4,500 people. More than 500 were physically present, while approximately 4,000 joined online via live streaming. The event marked a significant milestone for the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland.…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu