Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s message for World Day of the Sick

On February 11, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a message in observance of World Day of the Sick, highlighting that health is a divine blessing and a gift from God. The message comes in the context of 2024, designated by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church as a Solemn Year of pastoral care…

Feb 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

First Orthodox cemetery opens in Japan: Wooden church from Romania to serve as chapel

At the end of January, the St George Romanian parish in Tokyo opened the first Orthodox cemetery in Japan, located in Yamanashi. The parish priest expressed his intent to transport a wooden church from Romania to serve as the cemetery’s chapel. At the conclusion of January, a 1,200-square-meter site was leased for the interment of…

Feb 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Emperor Constantine the Great’s gigantic statue unveiled in Rome

On Tuesday, a contemporary reconstruction of the ancient Colossus of Constantine was unveiled at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. This reconstruction was accomplished through the use of 3D modelling technology. Historians have identified several fragments of the original statue that were utilised in the reconstruction process to restore it to its original proportions and appearance.…

Feb 8, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Artists begin installing Christ Pantocrator mosaic icon inside National Cathedral main tower

On Monday, artists began the installation of the Christ Pantocrator icon on the walls of the central tower of the National Cathedral in Bucharest. The image was assembled using 2,400 kilogrammes of mosaic fragments over the course of six months. The diameter of the iconographic representation is 12 metres, and it encompasses an area of…

Feb 7, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bucharest coat of arms will include image of city patron Saint Demetrius the New

During a meeting last week, the municipal council of Bucharest revised the coat of arms to include the patron saint of the city, Saint Demetrius the New. The councillors granted their approval for the replacement and modification of Annexe 1 of Decision No. 76/1993. This amendment entails substituting the current representation of Saint Demetrius the…

Feb 6, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Take a virtual tour of Ukraine’s oldest monastery: Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Online visits are now possible to the Monastery of the Caves (Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra), the oldest Orthodox monastery in Ukraine. The initiative, under the supervision of the city of Kyiv, seeks to publicise the expansive 26-hectare monastery complex. The virtual tour encompasses several notable landmarks, including the Great Belfry, the “Ascension of the Lord” Cathedral, the “Saints Anthony and…

Jan 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Suceava Archbishop offers a decalogue for journalists to mark national poet Mihai Eminescu’s anniversary

A decalogue addressed to journalists, authored by Archbishop Calinic of Suceva and Rădăuți, exhorts them to embrace an apostolate of communication while upholding principles of professional deontology. The ten rules were compiled in the context of the 174th anniversary of the birth of Romania’s national poet and journalist, Mihai Eminescu. A decalogue for journalists Like…

Jan 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s 2023: Notable addresses, visits, and events

It was a busy year for all levels of Romanian society, no less on the ecclesiastical level. In 2023, Patriarch Daniel demonstrated a keen awareness of significant societal issues and events through his prayers, tangible acts he instigated or coordinated, and noteworthy addresses. Basilica.ro reviews the events, messages and public actions in which His Beatitude…

Jan 11, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Budapest’s Romanian monastic settlement marks its 15th anniversary

The Romanian monastic settlement in Budapest marked its 15th anniversary last Sunday on its patronal feast of Saint John the Forerunner. On this occasion, His Grace Bishop Siluan of Hungary presided over the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrants included the settlement’s superior V. Rev. Protosyncellus David Pop, Budapesta’s Dean Rev. Marius Maghiaru, and Archdeacon Emanuel Vaduva. Among…

Jan 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Târgoviște Archbishop, Hon Metropolitan Nifon prayerfully celebrates his 80th birthday

On Friday, January 5, the Chapel of the Kretzulescu Diocesan Residence in Targoviște hosted a Te Deum service to mark the 80th birthday of His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, who is also the vice moderator of the central committee of the World Council of Churches and the archbishop of Targoviste. The event was attended by…

Jan 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel performs Great Blessing of Water: Theophany is the feast by which God’s love is revealed to humans

The Baptism of the Lord or Theophany “is the feast by which God’s love is revealed to humans: the Father’s love, who sees His eternal Son as a Man in the waters of the Jordan river,” His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said last Saturday before performing the Great Blessing of Waters. At the Baptism of the…

Jan 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu