Aurelian Iftimiu

On New Year’s Eve, Patriarch Daniel points to the Church’s liturgical time as provision for eternal life

In a special New Year’s Eve watch night service Tuesday, Patriarch Daniel offered a message encouraging people to see the liturgical time of the Church as a provision for eternal life. ‘The service officiated during the night at the turning of the year represents the proper attitude and action of an Orthodox Christian, that is,…

Jan 1, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Hundreds pack Patriarchal Cathedral for New Year 2020 watch night service

Hundreds of people spent the New Year eve attending the watch night service at the Holy Emperors Cathedral in Bucharest. Bucharest’s Patriarchal Cathedral was crowded by those who wanted to offer prayers of thanksgiving together with the Patriarch of Romania for the turn of the year. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel celebrated the 23.30 p.m. service.…

Jan 1, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Ieronymos: May the New Year be blessed, creative and peaceful!

“May the new year be blessed, creative and peaceful” Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece wished shortly after the cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year’s cake) of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece in the large meeting room of the Church of Greece. Hierarchs, university professors, prefects, mayors, Directors of the Archdiocese’s…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s Message for the New Year 2020: VIDEO

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel addressed best wishes to all Romanians from home and abroad for the New Year 2020. ‘On the New Year 2020 and the feast of the Theophany, we address all Romanians from home and abroad conveying them sincere wishes of good health and happiness, peace and joy unto many and blessed years!’…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Key topics in 2020 to follow in the Orthodox world

It has become a custom for local Orthodox Churches to set a solemn or commemorative topic for the events organized the coming year. In the Romanian Patriarchate, this trend was set by the current Patriarch Daniel starting with 2008. Looking ahead, 2020 will cover spirituality, pastoral care and other important topics in the Orthodox world.…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop visits Viterbo prison on Christmas, encourages inmates

The assistant bishop to the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy made a special effort to visit the Viterbo prison on Christmas Day. His Grace Bishop Atanasie of Bogdania was accompanied by Fr Walter Gabriel Andriuta and several volunteers from St Callinicus of Cernica Parish in Viterbo. The bishop officiated a trilingual service in Romanian, Italian…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Muslim converts to Orthodoxy at Apostol Parish in Bucharest

A Muslim converted to Orthodoxy this December and received the name of Saint Peter during a Baptism ceremony at Apostol Parish in Bucharest. ‘It was a unique event, I think, in the nearly 300-year history of our parish. Last Sunday was a really special day for our community,’ Marinel Laurentiu Marcu, a parish counsellor, commented…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

The Week in Pictures: December 23 – 29, 2019

We share with you this year’s last weekly selection of photos inspired by the joy of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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 the picture(s) you have taken…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Husi Bishop spends Christmas night with homeless people

His Grace Bishop Ignatie spent his Christmas night with 23 homeless people at a social night centre in Barlad. The bishop brought warm food and dined with the homeless. He listened to their life story and sufferings and shared with them encouragements. “He served them delicious and still steaming food, and they urged the hierarch…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian radio host Mihai Morar receives Church Order of Maramures Diocese

Romanian radio personality Mihai Morar received the Archbishop Justinian Cross and Medal on behalf of His Eminence Bishop Justin of Maramures and Satmar during a ceremony held at the diocesan cathedral in Baia Mare on Christmas day. The church order was bestowed to Mihai Morar, who was born in Baia Mare, as a token of…

Dec 31, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

The Holy Synod’s biggest decisions in 2019

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church gathered at the patriarchal residence for several times this year under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel to analyze topical issues concerning Orthodoxy in Romania and worldwide. Here are some of the year’s most important decisions. The Holy Synod considered the ecclesiastical situation in Ukraine and…

Dec 30, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu