Aurelian Iftimiu

The Week in Pictures: July 22 – 28, 2019

The news in pictures. A selection of photographs from around the Orthodox world, covering a variety of topics from church celebrations to youth retreats and spiritual life.

Aug 1, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate expresses compassion and solidarity over rape of teen Alexandra Măceșanu

The Romanian Patriarchate expresses sincere compassion and solidarity over the sorrow of the family of teen Alexandra Măceșanu, the victim of a kidnaping that has strongly outraged Romanian society these days. Waiting for the exact outcome of the investigation of the authorities on this terrible case, the Romanian Patriarchate urges all priests and believers to…

Jul 28, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarch celebrates festive Divine Liturgy at Haskoy Church founded by St Constantine Brâncoveanu

His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Friday celebrated the Divine Liturgy at one of Constantinople’s churches founded by Ruler Prince Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu in 1692. The Church is dedicated to the glorious Virgin-Martyr Saint Paraskevi and has been the spiritual home of Romanians in Istanbul and the surroundings since 2004. This year’s patronal feast was…

Jul 27, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

In pictures: Patriarch Daniel inaugurates ‘Metropolitan Nifon’ House at St Callinicus of Cernica Social Centre

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on Saturday, July 20, 2019 opened the ‘Metropolitan Nifon’ House of the Cultural & Social Centre of Saint Callinicus at Cernica Monastery. After celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the monastery’s St Nicholas Church, the Patriarch officiated a blessing service for the restored building named after Nifon Rusaila, the first Primate Metropolitan…

Jul 20, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Simona Halep exclusive interview: ‘The Mother of God is always on my mind’

After receiving the highest distinction of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Wimbledon 2019 Champion Simona Halep spoke about her devotion to the Mother of God in an exclusive interview with Basilica.ro. The tennis player confessed that her love for God and the Theotokos was inspired by her family. ‘I have never refrained from professing my faith…

Jul 20, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s 68th birthday to be celebrated on Monday

On Monday, July 22, 2019, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church will celebrate his 68th birthday. On this occasion, following the working sessions of the Standing Councils of the Bucharest Archdiocese and the Romanian Patriarchate, a Doxology will be officiated at St George’s Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence at 12.00 p.m. to…

Jul 19, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch of Romania bestows highest distinction on Wimbledon Champion Simona Halep

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel awarded Wimbledon tennis champion Simona Halep the Romanian Patriarchate’s highest distinction during a private ceremony held on Thursday at the patriarchal residence in Bucharest. Simona received the Patriarchal Cross for laypersons after winning her second Grand Slam title. ‘Simona is for many young people today a symbol of diligence, perseverance and…

Jul 18, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Five-metre mosaic cross ready to be applied on National Cathedral’s iconostasis

The mosaic crucifix showing Christ flanked by Virgin Mary and Saint John the Theologian is ready to be applied above the iconostasis of the National Cathedral in Bucharest. The five-metre mosaic cross was initially painted by the team of artists coordinated by iconographer Daniel Codrescu. The cross that will tower over the Cathedral’s 18-metre unique…

Jul 18, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

New draft law in Romania raises awareness about violence against Christians

MP Daniel Gheorghe has submitted a draft law to parliament that declares August 16 an official Remembrance Day of the Holy Brancoveanu Martyrs and a National Day of Awareness of Violence against Christians. If the draft law will be approved by the Parliament, the following buildings will be illuminated in red on August 16, between…

Jul 17, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of St Nephon the Patriarch of Constantinople moved to new silver reliquary

The Honourable Head and the right hand of Saint Nephon II the Patriarch of Constantinople, which are kept at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Craiova, were moved to a new silver reliquary last Sunday. The new reliquary was blessed by His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Craiova on July 14 following the Divine Liturgy. St Nephon’s holy…

Jul 17, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Huși Bishop Ignatie: Simona Halep means faith in God, perseverance, love of family and country

Romanian tennis star Simona Halep won the Wimbledon 2019 final and gained her second Grand Slam title, after the Roland Garros 2018. In the final, on July 13, Halep defeated former world number one and multiple Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams in two sets: 6-2, 6-2. His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși, the only Romanian…

Jul 17, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu