Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas on the Dormition Fast: History, practices, and spiritual significance

At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas published a message describing the history and characteristics of this fasting season, which he described as the “appropriate time to read the Supplicatory Canon to the Mother of God and fervently ask for her help and protection.” His Eminence recalled that the Dormition…

Aug 1, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

National Bureau of Statistics of Moldova thanks Metropolis of Bessarabia for support in 2024 Census

The National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova commended the Metropolis of Bessarabia for its assistance in organizing and conducting the 2024 Population and Housing Census. “Thanks to your support, data collection activities about individuals and their dwellings took place, which are extremely important and necessary for understanding the demographic, ethnocultural, and socio-economic…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Ioan of Banat calls for acts of kindness during the Dormition Fast

“We are all called to weave a crown of good deeds, following the example of the Mother of God and the saints, by helping our brothers and sisters who are suffering at home and in hospitals, orphans and widows, the elderly burdened by loneliness, need, and frailty, and large families, combining good deeds with prayer,”…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Constantin Brâncuși’s outdoor sculptures added to UNESCO World Heritage list

The monumental ensemble “Heroes’ Way” by sculptor Constantin Brâncuși was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on Saturday. The ensemble consists of the works “The Table of Silence,” “The Alley of Chairs,” “The Gate of the Kiss,” and “The Endless Column,” created by Constantin Brâncuși between 1935 and 1938. The National League of Women…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Increase in Orthodox Conversions in the USA: 2022-2023 trends

A study published this month shows that the number of conversions to Orthodoxy increased in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023. Most converts are aged 30-39 and are unmarried, with the majority coming to Orthodoxy from Protestantism, the research indicates. The study, conducted by the Orthodox Studies Institute at St. Constantine College in Houston, covered…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Exhumation of St Sofian’s relics: The time has come for the Lord’s chosen ones to be moved from the cemetery to the church

On Monday morning, Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova officiated the exhumation service of the holy relics of Saint Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery at Căldărușani Monastery near Bucharest. The venerable relics were placed in the cemetery church for a specific service before being transported to St Anthimos Monastery. “A specific rite was observed for such…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova conducts exhumation of Saint Dumitru Stăniloae’s relics

On Monday, Bishop Timotei of Prahova, the Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Bucharest, conducted a special service to exhume Saint Dumitru Stăniloae’s relics from the cemetery of Cernica Monastery. The bishop spoke about the desire of Saint Dumitru Stăniloae and other hierarchs and theology professors to “listen to the liturgy beneath the earth in…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Priests Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătușu and Dumitru Stăniloae, witnesses of Christian love in an era marked by hatred and division

Răzvan Mihai Clipici, the head of the Culture subdepartment of the Culture, Painting and Restoration Sector of the Patriarchal Administration, published an article with historical data about the priests Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătusu, and Dumitru Stăniloae in response to various accusations that appeared in the public space after their canonization. Full text: Priests Ilarion Felea,…

Jul 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Patriarch Teoctist on the 17th anniversary of his blessed repose

Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist Arapasu reposed in the Lord 17 years ago, on July 30, 2007. Patriarch Teoctist was born on February 7, 1915, in Tocileni, Botoșani county. He was named Teodor, being the tenth child of Dumitru and Marghioala Arăpașu. He went to Vorona Monastery as a novice in 1928 and continued to Neamț…

Jul 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarch eager to participate in next year’s celebrations in Bucharest

While attending the patronal feast of St Paraskevi Church in Constantinople last Friday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his love for the Romanian community under His Holiness’s jurisdiction, as well as for the entire Romanian Orthodox Church. Additionally, the Patriarch of Constantinople announced that he was eagerly anticipating the events in Bucharest dedicated to the Centennial…

Jul 29, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

25 Quotes on Suffering and Healing by Patriarch Daniel

To mark the 2024 Solemn Year of pastoral care of the sick, Basilica.ro has compiled a selection of 25 quotes about suffering and healing from His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. 1. “God desires to heal the whole of a person’s being; receiving His teaching is itself a condition for healing. From the Holy Scriptures, we clearly…

Jul 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu