Aurelian 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

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