Aurelian Iftimiu

Monument to new martyr Valeriu Gafencu blessed in his hometown

On Thursday, October 1, a bust of Valeriu Gafencu, one of the most beloved 20th-century martyrs of the Romanian Orthodox Church, was unveiled and blessed in his hometown. Gafencu was arrested by the communist authorities in 1941 and died 11 years later at Târgu Ocna Prison at the tender age of 31. He was dubbed…

Oct 4, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Synod of Cluj Metropolis approves arguments for Fr Liviu Galaction Munteanu’s canonization

The hierarchs of the Metropolis of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj met last week at the metropolitan residence in Cluj-Napoca. The agenda included the canonization file of Professor Rev. Liviu Galaction Munteanu, a martyr of the communist prisons. The hierarchs approved the local arguments for his canonization in 2025. His Eminence Metropolitan Andrei chaired the meeting…

Oct 4, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Varlaam to theology students: Use your years of study to ennoble your mind, soul and life!

“Dear students, we urge you to use the time of your years of study to ennoble your mind through study, your soul through prayer and your life by cultivating collegiality, sincere friendship, which you will keep for the rest of your life,” the patriarchal auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploieşti told theology students on Friday, October…

Oct 4, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

“It’s not the number of years that matters, but the use of time”: Patriarch Daniel on his 14th enthronement anniversary

“It’s not the number of years that matters so much, but the use of time to glorify God and help others,” Patriarch Daniel said Thursday at the end of the Thanksgiving service marking the 14th anniversary of his enthronement as Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Marking his fourteenth enthronement anniversary on Sept. 30, His…

Oct 1, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Transylvania Bishops meet at Râmeț to discuss canonization proposals

On Tuesday, Sept. 28, the Metropolitan Synod of Transylvania met at Râmeț Monastery under the chairmanship of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania. The agenda included the canonization files of elders Dometie Manolache from Râmeț and Serafim Popescu from Sâmbăta de Sus, disciples of Father Arsenie Boca. Participants at the meeting included Archbishop Irineu of…

Sep 29, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel asks God, “the Source of Love and Wisdom,” to bless students and professors ahead of new academic year

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel extended his blessing to all students, professors and parents ahead of the new academic year 2021-2022. In his message, His Beatitude asked for God’s help upon students during their study, research, and other activities that develop and deepen “the scientific, educational, spiritual, cultural and practical values.” Blessing at the beginning of…

Sep 28, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Canonization process begins for Elder Calistrat Bobu, Fr. Ilarion Felea

During a meeting of the assembly of bishops of the Metropolis of Banat, the hierarchs studied the local arguments for glorifying the Very Rev. Protosyncellus Calistrat Bobu (†1975) and Rev. Prof. Ilarion Felea (†1961). The bishops met at the metropolitan residence in Timișoara for a working session of the Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of…

Sep 28, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

In pictures: Consecration ceremony of the main church of Pantocrator Monastery – 2021

An assembly of sixteen hierarchs performed the consecration ceremony of the main church of Pantocrator Monastery at Drăgănești, Teleorman County, on Sunday, September 26, 2021. The consecration service was followed by the Divine Liturgy at the outdoor altar. The faithful venerated the relics of St. Mary Magdalene, brought from the Holy Mount Athos by the…

Sep 28, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Neagoe Basarab remains a bright figure in the history of the Romanian people: Patriarch Daniel at Snagov Monastery

“Although he reigned only nine years, between 1512 and 1521, the Holy Prince Neagoe Basarab remained a bright figure in the history of the Romanian people,” the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church said at Snagov Monastery on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Saint Neagoe Basarab is the founder and protector saint of the monastic settlement…

Sep 27, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

16 hierarchs consecrate main church of Pantocrator Monastery in Teleorman

The main church of Pantocrator Monastery at Drăgăneşti – Vlaşca, Teleorman County, was consecrated on Sunday by an assembly of sixteen Romanian, Greek and Bulgarian hierarchs, following extensive works executed at the monastic ensemble. On this occasion, the honourable hand of the Holy Myrrh-bearer and Equal to the Apostles Mary Magdalene was brought from the…

Sep 27, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Melkite-Catholic Patriarch Youssef Absi visits Romanian Patriarchate: I was impressed by the faith of the Romanian people

Patriarch Youssef Absi, the Melkite-Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, visited the Romanian Patriarchate on Friday, September 24, 2021. He was welcomed at the Palace of the Patriarchate by the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploieşti. After the meeting, Patriarch Youssef Absi shared his impressions of his “visit-pilgrimage” to Romania. “I thank His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel for…

Sep 27, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu