Aurelian 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

Metropolitan Antonie reflects on Soviet-era ‘deportation’ of Romanian Orthodox Church from Bessarabia

“Those of us who belong to the Metropolis of Bessarabia know the injustice that was done to our institution. It was deported just as so many of our fellow countrymen were deported,” Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia said in an interview with TVR Moldova. Against this historical background, the official recognition of the re-established Metropolis of…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Food Bank Moldova donates 3.5 tonnes of cherries to southern Bessarabia parishes

Food Bank Moldova has recently donated 3.5 tonnes of fresh cherries to communities within the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia. The fruit was delivered to 13 parishes in the Cahul, Cantemir and Leova districts of the Republic of Moldova. Parish priests distributed the cherries to families and elderly people in the communities they serve, bringing joy…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Basilica’s ‘Week in Pictures’ marks 400th edition, eight years online

The Basilica News Agency’s Week in Pictures project has marked two milestones this week: eight years since its launch and the publication of its 400th edition. Since its launch in July 2018, the project showcases each Monday a curated selection of the most representative photographs capturing the life of the Orthodox Church both in Romania…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Dormition Fast begins with prayer, fasting and spiritual renewal

The Dormition Fast begins on Friday for Orthodox Christians observing the revised calendar and concludes on 14 August, the eve of the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. During these two weeks, the faithful are called to fasting, prayer and spiritual purification. Typically, the fasting period starts on 1 August. However, according…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop, Albanian ambassador discuss closer cooperation

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești met on Tuesday with Albania’s Ambassador to Romania, Enkeleda Mërkuri, at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest. During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for academic and spiritual cooperation between the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Albanian Orthodox Church. The Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop recalled Romania’s significant contribution to the…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu