Aurelian Iftimiu

Deutsche Welle: 4 million Orthodox Christians in Germany, 900,000 are Romanian

“More and more Orthodox Christians in Germany” headlines Deutsche Welle, presenting a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon, the ethnic communities from which Orthodox Christians originate, and the opportunities they bring. The media often discuss the decline in membership of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. Still, it is rarely mentioned that the number of Orthodox…

Jul 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru expresses gratitude to Patriarch Daniel for supporting Bessarabia clergy and faithful

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru congratulated His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on his 73rd birthday, expressing gratitude for his paternal care and love for the faithful in Bessarabia. “We thank you from the depths of our hearts for the boundless love and paternal care you continuously show towards the clergy and faithful in Bessarabia, whom you have…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania has 1,440 wooden churches: A legacy of a hostile edict in Transylvania

Romania’s cultural heritage includes over 1,400 wooden churches constructed before 1918, according to a report by PressOne, supported by the National Historic Cultural Tourism Program “Attractive Romania.” These wooden churches are almost evenly distributed throughout the country, although the figures might suggest otherwise: 650 in Transylvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureș ~500 in Muntenia, Oltenia, and…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church delegation pays visit to Armenia: Support for refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh

A delegation of the Romanian Orthodox Church met with representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church during an official visit aiming to establish a framework to support Armenian refugees from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The meetings are taking place in the context of a fundraiser organized by the Romanian Patriarchate in 2024 to aid Armenian refugees. The…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Japanese publication highlights resilient spirit of the Romanian Orthodox community in Tokyo

The Romanian Orthodox community in Tokyo was the subject of a feature article by the Japanese publication Shueisha Shinsho. The article particularly highlighted the ecclesiastical community’s life and its members’ strong national identity. The interviews and photos were made on Easter night in a quiet residential area in Fujimidai, Kunitachi city, Tokyo, where reporter Yasuda…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

July 25: The day Saint Paisios of Mount Athos would have turned 100 years old

Saint Paisios of Mount Athos would have turned 100 today. The venerable monk was born on July 25, 1924, in Pharasa, Cappadocia (present-day Turkey). He was given the name Arsenios at his baptism. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the army, serving as a radio operator during the Greek Civil War. He entered…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarch to attend patronal feast of Romanian parish in Constantinople

On Friday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople will participate in the patronal feast of the Romanian parish in Constantinople, celebrating Saint Paraskevi of Rome. “At 9:00 AM, the Matins Service will begin, followed by the Divine Liturgy. His Holiness Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch, will be present at this moment of profound Christian experience,” announced…

Jul 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Representatives of different monastic traditions gather in Romania under the theme “Blessed are the peacemakers”

In the serene mountain setting of Sambata de Sus Monastery, near Sibiu, Romania, a significant ecumenical and inter-monastic gathering took place from July 3 to 9. Organized by the Orthodox Archdiocese of Sibiu, the event brought together young disciples from various nations and representatives of monastic communities from across Europe. The theme “Blessed are the…

Jul 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Arad Theology Faculty welcomes canonization of priest and martyr Ilarion Felea: A source of joy and fulfilment

In a statement for Basilica.ro, Father Cristinel Ioja, the Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Arad, welcomed the canonization of the martyr priest Ilarion Felea, which he described as “excellent news, a source of joy and fulfilment.” Arad’s theological higher education institution bears the name of the confessor priest Ilarion Felea and has…

Jul 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Hungary’s Secretary of State for Churches, Minorities and Civil Affairs visits Romanian Patriarchate

Mr. Soltész Miklós, Hungary’s Secretary of State for Churches, Minorities, and Civil Affairs, was received by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești at the Patriarchal Palace on July 19. After visiting the Patriarchal Cathedral and Palace, the Hungarian delegation was welcomed at Saint Nicetas of Remesiana Salon at the Patriarchal Palace, where discussions were held…

Jul 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania state authorities congratulate Patriarch Daniel on his 73rd birthday

Numerous state authorities congratulated His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on his 73rd birthday on Monday at the Patriarchal Palace. His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, secretary of the Holy Synod, moderated the anniversary event, which was organized at the “Europa Christiana” Hall of the Patriarchal Palace. The state authorities that delivered congratulatory messages included…

Jul 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu