Aurelian Iftimiu

Benelux Orthodox Bishops approve theological seminar on ecology for 2026

A theological seminar dedicated to ecology will take place in Paris on 12 September 2026, with the aim of fostering lasting cooperation among theological institutes in France and the Benelux countries. The decision was taken at last week’s meeting of the Orthodox Bishops’ Conference of Benelux (OECB). Those present included Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium (Ecumenical…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate’s Holy Land representative launches Foundation to support Romanian sites

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Ioan Meiu, Representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Holy Land and Superior of the Romanian Settlements at the Holy Places, has announced the establishment of an organisation and a dedicated website that will facilitate support for ongoing works at the Romanian settlements in these lands blessed by the footsteps of…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Atanasie says Athonite Saints show true wealth lies in God’s presence

His Eminence Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland underlined on Sunday the role of the Athonite Saints in the life of the Church, noting that they understood that “the true wealth of a person is the presence of God within the heart.” Archbishop Atanasie celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of St…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel urges faithful to seek God’s Kingdom above material concerns

“Let us live as spiritually free people who seek first the Kingdom of God’s love through prayer and good works,” His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel urged on Sunday at the historic Chapel of St George of the patriarchal residence in Bucharest. His Beatitude explained that a person’s foremost concern should be the attainment of the Kingdom…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Two Maltese converts baptised as Romanian Orthodox Parish in Valletta marks patronal feast

The only Romanian Orthodox parish in Malta celebrated its patronal feast dedicated to the Nativity of St John the Baptist on Sunday with a Baptismal Divine Liturgy, during which two Maltese young men received the Holy Mystery of Baptism. The event brought together Romanian Orthodox faithful living in Malta, as well as friends of the…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate voices concern over Samson family case in Sweden, backs repatriation of children

The Romanian Patriarchate is concerned about the very difficult situation facing the Romanian Samson family in Sweden, following the separation of their two daughters, Sara and Tiana, from their parents, as a result of a decision by the Swedish local authorities on 2 December 2022. The Church has always taught that the primary responsibility for…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox priests’ wives from 12 European countries gather in Dublin for St. Nona Meeting

“Within a priest’s family there should be no competition, but rather a shared ministry to Christ, never forgetting that both of you are one in Christ and that you must have the mind of Christ,” Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland urged priests’ wives during the fifth International Gathering of the Saint Nona Group. The…

Jun 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Church leaders, EU officials discuss Artificial Intelligence’s impact on human dignity at Brussels seminars

Two seminars held in Brussels on June 8-9 brought together representatives of Churches, European institutions and academia to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity. The first seminar, hosted by the European Commission, focused on the theme “The Ethical and Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence.” Participants analysed the opportunities and risks associated with AI-based…

Jun 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s acting Prime Minister visits Heroes’ Monastery at Țiganca in Republic of Moldova

Romania’s Acting Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, visited the Heroes’ Monastery of the Ascension in the village of Stoianovca, Republic of Moldova, over the weekend. The Romanian official was welcomed Saturday by Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia and the monastic community of the monastery, which was built near the Romanian Military Cemetery of Honour at Țiganca,…

Jun 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s first National Day in memory of victims of 1990 Mineriad prayerfully marked in Bucharest

Romania’s National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the June 13–15, 1990 Mineriad was marked on Monday with a memorial service in Bucharest, at the initiative of the Association of the Victims of the 1990–1991 Mineriads. Led by Fr. Florin Ionică, counsellor at the Cemeteries, Monuments and Funeral Services Department of the Archdiocese of…

Jun 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s Senate marks 162 years since establishment; Orthodox Metropolitan was first president

Romania’s Senate marks 162 years since its establishment on Tuesday, June 17. The institution’s first president was Metropolitan Nifon Rusailă of Hungro-Wallachia, who later became Romania’s first Primate Metropolitan. The upper chamber of Parliament was created in 1864 at the initiative of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza through the “Developing Statute of the Paris Convention,” according…

Jun 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu