Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod canonises Saint Theophano Basarab, first known Romanian nun

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church announced on Thursday the canonization of Venerable Theopahno Basarab from Albotina monastery (Vidin), a contemporary with St. Gregory Palamas and disciple of St. Theodosius the Hesychast. She is the first Romanian nun known in history. The day of celebration will be October 28, when the Saint is…

Feb 18, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

New hearing and speech care centre inaugurated in Argeș

On Saturday, February 12, His Eminence Archbishop Calinic of Argeș and Muscel blessed the Ecclesiastical Settlement of Christian-Orthodox Mission in the village of Mănicești, Argeș County, that will provide care for people with hearing and speech impairments. After the blessing service, the archbishop celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Settlement’s church of Saint Meletius. In…

Feb 15, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Bucharest deaf community celebrates patron saint. “They are open, welcoming and receptive”

Because he was forced to express himself using signs to confess the Holy Trinity at the Second Ecumenical Council, when one of the heretics covered his mouth, the Holy Hierarch Meletius of Antioch, celebrated on February 12, is considered the patron saint of the hearing impaired and deaf people. The deaf community of the Archdiocese…

Feb 15, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Romanian Orthodox Church remains the greatest philanthropist

At the annual meeting of the National Church Council Tuesday, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said that the Romanian Orthodox Church is Romania’s most outstanding philanthropist in terms of social programs carried out last year. “It is essential to see the large number of works, and the sacrifice and generosity of our communities are also significant.…

Feb 15, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian PM pays an official visit to the Metropolis of Bessarabia: future prospects discussed

Romania’s Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă visited the headquarters of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in Chisinau on Friday, February 11, 2022. The Romanian PM was received by the local hierarchs, including Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Bishop Antonie of Balti and Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, with whom he held talks in a warm atmosphere. The meeting…

Feb 14, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Pilot project: Eco-initiatives in the parishes of Romania and the Republic of Moldova

Through “Filantropia” Federation and “Diaconia” Social Mission, the Romanian Orthodox Church is carrying out a pilot project entitled “Eco-initiatives in the parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Romania and the Republic of Moldova.” The project is carried out in partnership with Caritas Ambrosiana, an NGO in Milan, Italy. The project is the first of…

Feb 14, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

The Romanian Church’s position on the political and ideological confiscation of the faith

The Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate published a message emphasising the firm position of the Church that denies the mimicry of Christianity for political and ideological purposes as well as any irresponsible apology made to exponents of dictatorial political regimes of the past or present. Communique by the Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate:…

Feb 11, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

The Week in Pictures: January 31 – February 6, 2022

Winter landscapes, moments from the liturgical life and many other images captured by photographers, can be seen in our article “The Week in Pictures” from January 31 to February 6, 2022. Last week’s most-liked Instagram photo:   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Basilica News Agency (@basilica.ro) Do you want to…

Feb 10, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Teoctist remembered in his home village: “He was like a brother to us”

Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu was prayerfully remembered in the courtyard of his native house in Tocileni, Botoşani County, on his 107th birth anniversary. The parish priest of Tocileni said that Patriarch Teoctist was as close as a brother to the villagers. Dozens of locals, including relatives of the former Romanian Patriarch, took part in…

Feb 10, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

The manuscript of the “Little Prince” to be exhibited in Europe for the first time

The manuscript of Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, never shown in France, will be exhibited in Paris from February to June 2022, the Musée des arts décoratifs (MAD) announced. The aviator and writer had written this tale in New York and Long Island, where he was in exile, between June and November 1942. The manuscript has…

Feb 10, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

In pictures: Patriarch Teoctist prayerfully remembered at Patriarchal Cathedral on his 107th birth anniversary

On Monday, February 7, 2022, a memorial service was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral on the 107th birth anniversary of Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist of blessed memory. The memorial service was officiated by Protosyncellus Silvestru Buşică at Patriarch Teoctist’s tomb inside the patriarchal cathedral. You can quickly read some biographies of the former patriarch of…

Feb 8, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu