Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Antonie marks 24th anniversary of Metropolis of Bessarabia’s legal recognition

Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia officiated a Te Deum at the St John the Theologian Metropolitan Chapel in Chișinău on Thursday, marking 24 years since the official recognition of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, re-established after the fall of communism. The service was followed by the reading of a message from the metropolitan, who described the anniversary…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian ambassador to Italy receives patriarchal order of Saint Maria Brâncoveanu

Her Excellency Gabriela Dancău, Romania’s Ambassador to the Italian Republic, received the Order of St Maria Brâncoveanu on Thursday, an honour conferred by Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The ambassador said she dedicates “this distinction to the Romanians in Italy, in whose service I carry out my mandate as ambassador.” The Patriarchal decoration…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate urges parishes to support people during heatwave

Amid the extremely high temperatures affecting Romania, the Romanian Patriarchate urges all dioceses to provide support to people impacted by the heatwave. Parishes and monasteries are encouraged to distribute drinking water to those in need and to allow people affected by the heat to rest for short periods in shaded and cool areas. Church institutions…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Atanasie: Dormition Fast calls faithful to rediscover ‘the altar of the heart’

One of the deepest calls of the Dormition Fast is the rediscovery of the altar of the heart, wrote Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in his pastoral message published at the beginning of the fasting season. “The altar is the place where God and man meet, where God gives Himself to humanity…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu: A founder of Romanian theological culture

The Romanian Orthodox Church on Friday marks 40 years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, one of its most distinguished scholars and a major contributor to Romanian theological culture. Patriarch Iustin Moisescu was born on 5 March 1910 in the village of Cândești, Argeș County, Romania. He studied at the War Orphans’ Seminary in…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe marks name day

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe celebrates his name day on Friday, when the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Joseph of Arimathea. The Holy and Righteous Joseph of Arimathea is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on 31 July. A secret disciple of Jesus Christ, he joined Nicodemus in taking down the Lord’s body…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta visits Arad Archdiocese

On Monday, 27 July, Archbishop Timotei of Arad received Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Ecumenical Patriarchate). Archbishop Timotei introduced his guest to the new Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral in Arad. According to the archdiocese, Metropolitan Sevastianos was “deeply impressed by the beauty and grandeur” of the cathedral. The visit…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

St Basil the Great’s right hand to visit Romania for first time

Faithful in Romania will have their first chance to venerate the right hand of St Basil the Great, on display at the Diocesan Cathedral of Alexandria from August 28 to September 2. The reliquary containing the holy relic will be brought by Bishop Nicodemus of Skopelos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolis of Chalkida, Istiaia and…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate recognised Romanian Patriarchate 101 years ago today

On 30 July 1925, the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued a Synodal Tomos recognising the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate, confirming the decision adopted by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on 4 February of the same year. In accordance with the canonical order, the Holy Synod’s decision was communicated to the sister Orthodox Churches…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Teoctist remembered 19 years after his repose

The Romanian Orthodox Church commemorates Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu on 30 July, marking 19 years since his repose in the Lord. Patriarch Teoctist of blessed memory reposed in the Lord on 30 July 2007, after 21 years as Patriarch of Romania and 57 years of episcopal ministry. Born Theodor Arăpașu on 7 February 1915 in the…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict calls for compassionate doctors, priests and teachers

The Great Martyr and Healer Saint Panteleimon was also honoured on Monday at the parish serving the Prof. Dr Ioan Pușcaș Municipal Hospital in Șimleu Silvaniei, Sălaj County, Romania. Bishop Benedict of Sălaj celebrated the Divine Liturgy and said in his homily that society needs “doctors who love,” as well as priests and teachers who…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu