Aurelian Iftimiu

Children have a higher interest in studying Byzantine music: A significant benefit for Romania’s chant stands

The effort required to learn Byzantine music cultivates a student’s spiritual and cultural development. The conductor of a newly formed children’s Byzantine choir told Basilica.ro that the increasing number of children approaching the chanters at the church stand or in a structured study setting is a significant improvement. The declaration of 2023 as the Commemorative…

Oct 12, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

This is the family that has been decorating St. Parascheva’s baldachin with flowers for 20 years

The reporters of the national news agency Agerpres spoke with the family of florists who, for 20 years, have been coming from Bucharest with flowers to decorate the baldachin for Saint Parascheva in Iași. Ioan Buștei travelled to Iași with his family, the company’s specialised team, and a vast quantity of flowers. He has been…

Oct 10, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Press release regarding the situation of Romanian pilgrims in Israel after outbreak of war

In the dramatic context generated by the beginning of the war in Israel a few days ago, in which nearly 800 Romanian citizens were on pilgrimage to the Holy Places, the Romanian Patriarchate provides the following clarifications regarding the evolution of their situation: Since the outbreak of the conflict through the terrorist attacks on Israel,…

Oct 9, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

European Parliament recognises the Orthodox Metropolis of Bessarabia as a victim of Soviet oppression

A resolution proposed by mostly Polish MEPs and voted last week in the European Parliament recognises the Metropolis of Bessarabia as a victim of Soviet oppression. The European Parliament “notes that the Orthodox Metropolis of Bessarabia, which was vindictively abolished by the Soviet authorities, was officially recognised in 2002 following a decision of the European…

Oct 9, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate expresses deep concern over recrudescence of war in Israel

The Romanian Patriarchate expresses its deep concern over the recrudescence of war in Israel following the terrorist attack launched at dawn on Saturday, October 7, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of people injured. War always represents a social catastrophe with incalculable consequences in terms of human suffering and the loss of life…

Oct 9, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate canonises Eldress Gavrilia Papaianni

During its working session on Oct. 3, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate resolved to canonise Gerontissa Gavrilia Papaianni one day after marking her 126th birth anniversary. The decision to canonise St. Gavrilia was initiated by Patriarch Bartholomew and announced by the Metropolis of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalaia, which made the relevant appeal to…

Oct 7, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Fr Dumitru Staniloae’s last words

Father Dumitru Stăniloae of blessed memory reposed in the Lord on the evening of October 4-5, 1993. His daughter, Lidia Stăniloae, recounted the last words spoken by the great Romanian theologian before his death. “… Let us get out of here, let us get out of here, let us get out of here, let us…

Oct 6, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Over 300,000 pilgrims expected at Iasi for Saint Parascheva’s feast

The Archdiocese of Iasi is anticipating over three hundred thousand pilgrims in attendance at a 9-day-long pilgrimage at Iasi beginning this Saturday ahead of the principal celebration of Saint Parascheva, one of Romania’s most beloved saints, on October 14. Last year, in 9 days of pilgrimage, over 340,000 people participated in the events organised for…

Oct 6, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Bucharest theology professors, students prayerfully remember Fr Dumitru Stăniloae on 30th anniversary of his repose

The renowned Romanian theologian Father Dumitru Stăniloae was commemorated Thursday at the “St. Catherine” Chapel of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest 30 years after his blessed repose. The memorial service was officiated by Rev. Professor Emeritus Stefan Buchiu, together with other professors of the Faculty of Theology in Bucharest. The former dean of…

Oct 6, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch of Romania: Church-Army cooperation is a beautiful and beneficial tradition

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel addressed the participants at the Annual Convocation of the Romanian Armed Forces military chaplains, stressing the importance of cooperation between the Church and the Army. The event took place at the Palace of the Patriarchate in Bucharest on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Please find below the full text of Patriarch Daniel’s…

Oct 6, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

30th anniversary of Father Dumitru Staniloae’s blessed repose

Thirty years ago, on the night of October 4 to 5, Father Dumitru Stăniloae reposed in the Lord. The famous Romanian theologian is on the path to sainthood because he lived a virtuous life and endured torment for professing his faith during the atheistic communist regime. Priest Dumitru Stăniloae and several confessors will most likely…

Oct 5, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu