Aurelian Iftimiu

France: Restoration of Romanian Church in Tours’ historic centre makes significant progress

The restoration of the Church of Saints Nectarios and Martin in Tours is advancing significantly. The stained glass windows and portions of the main façade have recently been restored. The Romanian community purchased the church, a historic monument, 15 years ago with support from the Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe. Restoration efforts began five…

Nov 22, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

“Bring children to God’s house, not in front of the screens” – A call to parents from the Patriarchal Cathedral

On Thursday, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia addressed the importance of proper upbringing and education of children during the celebration of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple at the Patriarchal Cathedral. Referencing how the Virgin Mary was raised from an early age by pious widows in the Temple of Jerusalem,…

Nov 22, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Government advances Religious Freedom Day proposal

The Romanian Government authorised a draft law on November 14 that establishes the National Day of Religious Freedom and the Contribution of Faith Communities to Romanian Society. This day will be observed annually on May 16. The draft law suggests organising cultural, religious, and educational events to respect religious freedom and the relationship between the…

Nov 22, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

1,000 Days of War in Ukraine: Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate prays for peace and refugees

On Tuesday, memorial services for the victims of the war in Ukraine were held across several communities within the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate in Romania, marking 1,000 days since the onset of the military conflict. The services, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Romania, took place in Ukrainian Orthodox churches in Sighetu Marmației,…

Nov 22, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox community in Viareggio secures parish complex after a decade of use

The Orthodox community in Viareggio has successfully acquired the parish complex, where it has been active for the past ten years. Since April, the parish of the Prophet Isaiah received approval for a grant from the Department for Romanians Abroad to fund the purchase of the worship complex it has been using, which meets its…

Nov 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

“I would choose this teaching career again,” says Dean of Alba Iulia Faculty of Orthodox Theology

Father Mihai Himcinschi, the Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Alba Iulia, expressed his deep passion for his teaching vocation in an interview with Alba24 during the show Teacher’s Profile. “I would choose this teaching career again because I enjoy being around young people,” Father Himcinschi said. He elaborated on the fulfilling nature…

Nov 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Understanding healing through the Mystery of Holy Unction: Insights from Father Nicolae Dima

In a YouTube video, Father Nicolae Dima explained the type of healing one can seek through the Mystery of Holy Unction, emphasizing its spiritual depth rather than a promise of miraculous physical cures. A Ritual of Renewal Father Dima recounted his personal experience of performing the Holy Unction in a hospital room where his daughter…

Nov 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox community in Ottawa marks 5th anniversary of church consecration

Last Saturday, the Romanian Orthodox community in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, celebrated the 5th anniversary of the consecration of their parish church, dedicated to Saint Matthew the Apostle and Saint Christina the Great Martyr. The feast day of Saint Matthew was marked with a festive Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas and Bishop…

Nov 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox community in Malta to host charity event ahead of National Day

On Saturday, November 30, the Parish Council of the Romanian Orthodox community in Malta will hold a charity event to celebrate the eve of Romania’s National Day. Participants are invited to wear traditional attire or a Romanian blouse. Father George-Alexandru Popescu, parish priest in Valletta, announced the event on Facebook, explaining its purpose: raising funds…

Nov 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Medicine and Monasticism: Complementary vocations for Abbess Justina Bujor of Paltin Monastery

Stavrophore Justina Bujor, the abbess of Paltin-Petru Vodă Monastery, shared in an interview with Doxologia.ro how medicine and monasticism intertwined in her life as complementary vocations. “On one hand, it’s challenging, but on the other, they truly complement each other,” said the abbess about her dual roles as a monastery leader and a physician. “I…

Nov 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Contribution of Romanian Orthodoxy to European spirituality highlighted at Anniversary Symposium of Metropolis of Germany

Last Thursday, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Germany, Central and Northern Europe held an anniversary symposium marking 30 years since its founding. Titled “From Aspiration to Reality,” the event took place at the Metropolis’ headquarters in Nuremberg, emphasizing the contribution of Romanian Orthodoxy to European spirituality. Organized in collaboration with the German-Romanian Institute “Ex Fide…

Nov 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu