Aurelian Iftimiu

St Sigfrid honoured by Romanians in Sweden: ‘You have to be a warrior yourself to reach the heart of the Vikings’

Orthodox believers in the south part of Sweden honoured the country’s Enlightener Saint Sigfrid at the Romanian parish in Växjö on Saturday, February 15. His Grace Bishop Macarie of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Northern Europe celebrated the Divine Liturgy marking the parish’s patronal feast. Referring to St Sigfrid’s personality, His Grace said that ‘to…

Feb 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox TV station to be launched soon in the Republic of Moldova

A new Orthodox TV station, NIKA TV, will soon be launched in the Republic of Moldova for the edification of the faithful and general public. More than 95% of Moldovans identify as Orthodox Christians. The Metropolis of Chișinău of the Russian Orthodox Church announced on Monday that “a local Orthodox Christian TV station will soon start its…

Feb 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

The Week in Pictures: February 10 -16, 2020

This week’s selection of photos includes the latest picture of the members of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, stills from church celebrations and many more. Follow us on Twitter: @BasilicaNews We would gladly include one of your photos depicting Orthodox life in our weekly selection. All you have to do is send…

Feb 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania Gazettes updated statute for organization of Romanian Orthodox Church

The Romanian Official Journal February 10 published the updated Statute for the Organization and Functioning of the Romanian Orthodox Church that include all the amendments made by the Holy Synod between 2011 and 2019. Here are highlights from the most noteworthy modifications in the updated statute. Election of the Patriarch The changes brought to the…

Feb 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Priest from Constanța building home for abandoned, disadvantaged children and struggling mothers

For years, Fr. Claudiu Banu of the Church of St. Menas in Constanţa in southeastern Romania has visited abandoned children in hospitals and children’s homes, offering them gifts with the help of the faithful. But he wanted to do more. Now, again, with the help of his faithful flock, Father Claudiu is in the midst…

Feb 14, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

First Orthodox monastery in Tanzania celebrates its first Divine Liturgy

The Orthodox faithful of Tanzania celebrated a day of firsts earlier this week. On Monday, February 10, the first Orthodox monastery in the nation celebrated its first Divine Liturgy. The service was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Agathonikos of Arusha and Central Tanzania at the holy habitation in Kidamali together with a number of Greek…

Feb 14, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod meets for first time this year, sends delegation to Amman: communique

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church held its first working session this year under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel at the Synodal Hall of the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest on February 13, 2020. During the meeting, an assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj was elected. The Holy…

Feb 14, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod elects assistant bishop to Cluj Archdiocese

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church elected the new assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj during a meeting held at the patriarchal residence in Bucharest on February 13, 2020. The episcopal see became vacant after His Grace Bishop Vasile of Somes has requested and has been granted a withdrawal…

Feb 13, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel at beginning of Triodion: Not every prayer is received by God

During his homily marking the beginning of the Triodion, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said that the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee is an appeal to humble prayer. Offer prayers with humility ‘Not every prayer is received by God, only the humble prayer, offered in humility,’ the Patriarch of Romania stressed quoting the Gospel…

Feb 11, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s new Orthodox Cathedral latest in photos

Daniel Codrescu, the coordinator of the team of artists working at the new Orthodox Cathedral in Bucharest, has released several images of the mosaic icons that will adorn the Cathedral’s altar space. “The decorations from the window frames were installed. In parallel, we also work in the workshop to make the mosaics in detail. We…

Feb 11, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Abortion Leading Cause of Death Worldwide in 2019

Abortion was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2019, according to figures released from Worldometers.info, a website that uses reporting from the world’s governments to track demographics and vital statistics. LifeNews.com, a pro-life website, was among the few outlets to report on the 2019 abortion numbers, which show 42.3 million preborn babies killed worldwide.…

Feb 10, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu