Aurelian Iftimiu

Bucharest Archdiocese, Prahova Probation Service sign agreement to help convicts reintegrate socially

Following on a number of agreements with local probation services, the Archdiocese of Bucharest of the Romanian Orthodox Church is actively assisting convicts in the process of social reintegration. The Archdiocese signed an agreement with the Bucharest Probation Service and the Ilfov County Probation Service in December, and on Monday, October 4, it signed another…

Oct 6, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Bp Varlaam: Saint Anthimos the Georgian founded free education and introduced Romanian language in the Church

His Grace Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the patronal feast of St. Antimos Monastery in Bucharest on Sept. 27. He spoke about the achievements of the holy hierarch Anthimos, who was a collaborator of St. Constantine Brâncoveanu: he founded the first free public schools; he introduced Romanian in worship; he created…

Oct 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

28th anniversary of Fr Dumitru Staniloae’s repose

Twenty-eight years have passed since Father Dumitru Stăniloae’s repose in the Lord. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki first awarded him the title of Doctor honoris causa in 1976 on the recommendation of Athonite abbots. The theologian Olivier Clément called him “the greatest contemporary Orthodox theologian”, and the existentialist philosopher Emil Cioran said that “Philokalia is…

Oct 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel announces a centre for protection and promotion of Snagov monastery’s cultural heritage

In two years, Snagov Monastery will have a centre for protecting and promoting its cultural heritage. The announcement was made by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel during a visit to the monastery at the end of September occasioned by the commemoration of Wallachia’s Ruler Saint Neagoe Basarab. “It was found that there is a great need…

Oct 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Repaying evil with kindness seems unnatural for the fallen man

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel reflected on Sunday on the “unusual” command that the Saviour Jesus Christ gave in the Sermon on the Mount, that of loving one’s enemies (Luke 6:35). “We have an unusual command. No legislator in the world, throughout history, has ever commanded anyone to love their enemy. Therefore, the Saviour Jesus Christ…

Oct 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel expresses deep sorrow at Constanța hospital blaze

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel has expressed his deep sorrow for the tragedy that took place on October 1 at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Constanta. In a message published following the fire that broke out in the intensive care unit treating COVID-19 patients in the Black Sea port city of Constanta on the back of…

Oct 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Arad Theology Faculty rejoices in upcoming canonization of Fr Ilarion Felea

The approval of the local arguments regarding the canonization proposal of Father Ilarion Felea by the Synod of the Metropolis of Banat is a “gratifying fact for those who knew him, read his biography and pastoral-missionary theological work,” the dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Arad, Fr. Cristinel Ioja, told Basilica.ro. “A joy…

Oct 4, 2021Aurelian 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