Aurelian Iftimiu

Bp Paisie of Sinaia cautions: A “successful” life actually hides real dramas

On Sunday, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia underscored the increasingly prevalent lifestyle that appears successful but conceals genuine crises, interior emptiness, and a lack of meaning during his sermon at the Chapel of the National Cathedral, alluding to the Gospel reading from Matthew. Bishop Paisie noted that Christ insists three times in the mentioned…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan of Ruse in Bucharest: In these times, Saint Demetrius rejoices to see us in unity

Attending the 250th anniversary of the Translation of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics to Bucharest, Metropolitan Naum of Ruse spoke from the outdoor altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral about the essential need for unity and joint testimony in these troubled times. His Eminence Metropolitan Naum conveyed, personally and on behalf of the new Patriarch Daniil…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian, Bulgarian hierarchs at additional feast of St. Demetrius the New: We ask him to protect our Churches and peoples

On Friday evening, July 12, after the all-night vigil and procession with the relics of Saint Demetrius the New, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel delivered a welcome message to Metropolitan Naum of Ruse. “Joining us now, this evening, and tomorrow during the Divine Liturgy, which will begin at 8:30 AM, is His Eminence Metropolitan Naum of…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Solemn procession held in Bucharest to remember arrival of St Demetrius the New’s relics

The relics of St. Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest, were carried in an impressive procession on the streets of Bucharest on Friday evening, on the eve of the first celebration of the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of St. Demetrius the New to Romania’s capital city. This feast was recently introduced into…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Venerable Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery, the first 21st-century Orthodox Saint canonized

The Romanian Orthodox Church has canonized sixteen new saints during the synodal sessions held on July 11-12. Among these, Venerable Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery stands out as the first Orthodox saint to have lived in the 21st century. Saint Sofian Boghiu Saint Sofian (Serghei Boghiu) was born on October 7, 1912, in Cuconeștii Vechi,…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

250th anniversary of the translation of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics to Bucharest

Saturday, July 13, marks the 250th anniversary of the translation of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics to Bucharest. How Saint Demetrius’ relics arrived in Bucharest The historical context in which the venerated relics arrived in Romania’s capital was during the Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774). Battles were fought on Romanian soil and south of the Danube. When…

Jul 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod approves canonization of 16 modern-day saints

On July 11-12, The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church held its working sessions at Patriarch Teoctist Aula Magna of the Patriarchal Palace under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. The main new decisions of the Holy Synod are as follows: a) Approval of the canonization of 16 Romanian saints, with some liturgical…

Jul 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy healers celebrated in July (I)

In the month of July, the Orthodox calendar features numerous healing saints, among whom Saint Panteleimon and Saints Cosmas and Damian stand out as some of the most renowned unmercenary physicians. This is the most extensive selection yet in the series of articles on holy healers, aligning with the themes of the 2024 Commemorative and…

Jul 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese, German Lutheran Diocese celebrate 30-year-long partnership

On July 6, the Orthodox Diocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj in central Romania and the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Württemberg, Germany, celebrated thirty years of partnership. The anniversary was marked by a retrospective session held at the diocesan centre in Cluj-Napoca, attended by representatives from both institutions. The joint projects of the past 30…

Jul 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian priest offers financial assistance to young couples for weddings

Young people often postpone their weddings due to financial constraints. In this context, a priest from Botoșani in northern Romania has announced that his parish will assist young couples in organizing their weddings without significant economic burden. “The Pacea Church in Botoșani offers free help to future brides and grooms who wish to start a…

Jul 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Saints’ Sunday is not a day of national pride, bp Teofil of Iberia explains

“Romanian Saints’ Sunday is not a day of national pride to show that we are better than other Christian nations, but rather a day of holy joy to show what unites us with other nations, with whom we are called to bear witness to the glory of Christ’s Church,” emphasised His Grace Bishop Teofil of…

Jul 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu