Aurelian Iftimiu

President Klaus Iohannis visits headquarters of Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy for first time

On Sunday His Excellency the President of Romania, Klaus Werner Iohannis, visited for the first time the headquarters of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy. The Romanian president is currently on a state visit to Italy until October 17. It is the first state visit of a Romanian president in Italy in 45 years. The…

Oct 17, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Saintliness does not depend on age, but on steadfastness: Patriarch Daniel

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on Sunday offered his reflections on the life of Saint Parascheva and noted that ‘she did not reach saintliness rapidly, which means that saintliness does not depend on age, but on steadfastness, on the intensity of our love for God.’ ‘In Orthodox iconography, the venerable Saints, even if they were younger,…

Oct 16, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Thousands flock to venerate Saint Parascheva’s relics in Iasi

Thousands of devotees flocked on Sunday to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iasi to venerate the incorrupt body of Saint Parascheva the New, considered the Patron Saint of Moldavia, over the Divine Liturgy celebrated by 22 hierarchs on the Saint’s feast day. Over 20,000 believers attended the Divine Liturgy, while other 11,000 queued to venerate the…

Oct 15, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate issues announcement regarding situation of Ukraine: full text

The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met this week under the chairmanship of His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to examine different topics on the agenda including the Ukrainian autocephaly issue. Following the October 11, 2018, working session, the Chief Secretariat of the Holy Synod released an announcement containing the deliberations. Announcement Presided by His…

Oct 12, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ignatie of Huși: Church, Referendum, Reset

Following the referendum that was organized in Romania to define marriage in the Constitution as union between a man and a woman only, His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși expressed his point of view in an article entitled Church, Referendum, Reset. Church, Referendum, Reset: full text Victorious or defeated The referendum has passed. It was…

Oct 11, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch John X of Antioch to pay irenic visit to Serbia

His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All East will pay an irenic visit to Serbia on October 11-19. According to the website of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude will be welcomed Thursday, October 11, at St Michael the Archangel Cathedral in Belgrade where a doxology will be celebrated. On Sunday, October 14,…

Oct 10, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Synaxis of All Orthodox Saints of Iberian Peninsula celebrated for first time at Zaragoza

The Synaxis of All Orthodox Saints of the Iberian Peninsula was celebrated for the first time on Sunday at the Dormition of the Theotokos Romanian Parish in Zaragoza, Spain. The Divine Liturgy and the proclamation ceremony were led by His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe. Concelebrants included Bishop Nestor of Korsun (Moscow…

Oct 9, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Press release regarding marriage referendum: An incomplete success calls for more hope and activity

Following the voiding of the referendum on marriage redefinition held on October 6-7, 2018, the Romanian Patriarchate urges spiritual unity and the continuing defense of the blessed family by God. In the context of the referendum, the Romanian Orthodox Church fulfilled its civic and moral mission in the public space, where the Church affirmed and…

Oct 8, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Academy of Crete celebrates 50th anniversary

Several religious and cultural manifestations were organized on October 2-4, 2018, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Orthodox Academy of Crete. The events organized at Kolymbari, Crete, were chaired by His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Participants On behalf of the Romanian Patriarch, the festivities were attended by His Grace Bishop Visarion of Tulcea. Also…

Oct 8, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Message of the 9th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (full text)

The 9th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America has issued a message at the end of their annual meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, in which the bishops reaffirm the need for unity and cooperation between the dioceses of different jurisdictions in the US. Message of the 9th Assembly of Canonical Orthodox…

Oct 8, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu

Bulgarian Patriarchate expresses categorical support for Romania marriage referendum

In a message sent to the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Bulgarian Patriarchate expressed their absolute support regarding the organization of the 6-7 October referendum aiming to define marriage in the Romanian Constitution as union between a man and a woman only. Bulgarian Patriarchate supports Romania marriage referendum: full text As member of Christ’s One, Holy,…

Oct 5, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu