Aurelian Iftimiu

Clergy Conference of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas explores psycho-spiritual health and pastoral care

The Clergy Conference of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas was held at the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Mississauga, Ontario, from August 22 to August 24, 2024. The event convened monastics, priests, and deacons from various parts of the city to engage in a conversation about pastoral themes and psycho-spiritual health. Bishop Ioan Casian…

Aug 27, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru on Moldova’s Independence Day: A moment of reflection on the Church’s role in preserving identity

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia sent a message to all Bessarabians on Tuesday to mark the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova. “On this festive day, we wish to convey our congratulations to all Bessarabian Romanians, both those living on this blessed land and those who, for various reasons, are far away, seeking…

Aug 27, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Pre-Iconoclastic fresco of the Virgin Mary discovered on Greek Island of Naxos

A fresco depicting the Virgin Mary from the pre-iconoclastic period (726-842) has been discovered in a Byzantine church on the Greek island of Naxos. The discovery is rare, as most icons were removed from churches or covered during the iconoclastic period. The fresco, portraying the Mother of God, was uncovered behind a layer of lime…

Aug 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s sermon: If a person prays, they are no longer alone

One conclusion of the Gospel reading for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost is that “if a person prays, they are no longer alone, even if they are in solitude,” according to His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. Essentially, the Gospel about Jesus walking on the sea and calming the storm shows us that strong faith in Christ…

Aug 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Religious Education teachers in the Metropolis of Bessarabia set priorities ahead of new School Year

Religious education teachers from the Metropolis of Bessarabia met last week to discuss the new school year‘s curriculum. They established several priorities related to strategies for strengthening religious education in schools. The meeting was held at “Metropolitan Gurie Grosu” Hall at the Metropolitan Residence in Chișinău. The session was streamed online to facilitate participation for…

Aug 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Most migrants in Europe are Christian, recent study shows

According to the latest study published by Pew Research Center, most migrants in European countries originate from within the European continent and are predominantly Christian. In 2020, 53% of the non-native population living in Europe was born in another European country. The rest were born in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Due…

Aug 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Famous philosopher and theologian Christos Yannaras reposes in the Lord aged 89

Christos Yannaras, one of the most popular contemporary Greek philosophy professors and authors, reposed in the Lord at the age of 89. His son announced the news of his father’s death on Facebook. Christos Yannaras stood out during his academic activity as a philosopher and Christian theologian, managing to create one of the most original bridges…

Aug 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

August 23: A day to honour the victims of totalitarian regimes and recognize modern Orthodox Saints

Since 2008, August 23rd has been observed as the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism. In Romania, this day has also been designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Fascism and Communism by Law No. 198/2011. Many victims of totalitarian regimes suffered because they valued their faith more…

Aug 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

The “gilded jewel” Romanian Church in Olbia to build oratory, playground, and parish house

The Romanian Parish of Olbia plans to build an oratory and playground, an access road, a parking area, and a parish house near the wooden church, which the local press has described as a “gilded jewel.” These projects can begin following the concession of an additional 6,000 square meters, provided free of charge by the…

Aug 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian photographer captures rare “Blue Supermoon” over Bucharest’s National Cathedral

Florin Andreescu, one of Romania’s top photographers and a documentary filmmaker, captured rare images of the “Blue Supermoon” rising above the National Cathedral on Monday evening. “Every month, the appearance of a full moon attracts photographers from around the globe, competing to create unique and spectacular images. I have always wondered why we don’t see…

Aug 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu was an unwavering witness of the Orthodox Christian faith, patriarchal auxiliary bishop says

On the feast day of the Holy Brâncoveanu Martyrs, the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Bucharest’s “Lady Bălașa” Church, a church founded by one of the daughters of Wallachia’s Prince Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu. “Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu was an unwavering witness of the Orthodox Christian faith and a promoter of…

Aug 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu