Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarchal auxiliary bishop meets Orthodox scouts group, highlights youth engagement

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, the Holy Synod’s general secretary, met on Thursday, May 14, at the Patriarchal Palace with representatives of the International Orthodox Christian Scouts Organisation “Desmos”. The bishop highlighted the importance of involving young people in educational and community activities amid the challenges of contemporary society. “It is very important that…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Archaeologists say they may have identified biblical Bethsaida on Sea of Galilee

A possible biblical mystery may have been solved, with archaeologists claiming to have identified the village of Bethsaida in Israel. The locality is mentioned in the New Testament and associated with several miracles performed by Jesus Christ. Researchers began excavations a decade ago at the archaeological site of El-Araj, located on the north-eastern shore of…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian monastic cell dedicated to Saints Athanasius and Cyril under construction on Mount Athos

A Romanian monastic cell dedicated to Saints Athanasius and Cyril is being built on Mount Athos. The monastic settlement is located within the Romanian Lakkoskete, which belongs to Saint Paul Monastery. The new cell is being constructed on land donated by the Lakkoskete, in a deep valley surrounded by chestnut forests, a setting suited for…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nifon hosts World Council of Churches delegation amid AI ethics talks

His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Patriarchal Exarch, received on Friday at the Patriarchal Palace a delegation of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The visit to the Patriarchal Palace formed part of the delegation’s broader programme, which also included an international symposium held on May…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church highlights support for families on Christian Family Sunday

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church instituted in 2009 a Sunday dedicated to the Christian family. It is observed on the Sunday closest to 15 May, which the United Nations designated as the International Day of Families. This year, Christian Family Sunday fell on 17 May, the feast day of the Holy Apostles…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks first National Day of Religious Freedom and contribution of religious denominations

Romania on Saturday marked for the first time the National Day of Religious Freedom and the Contribution of Religious Denominations to Romanian Society. The observance was established in 2025 following a proposal by Romania’s religious denominations during a meeting held on 10 April 2024 with representatives of the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs and other…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s space pioneer Dumitru Prunariu receives church distinction on 45th anniversary of historic mission

Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, the first Romanian to fly into space, received on Thursday the Metropolitan Order of “Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest” on behalf of Patriarch Daniel. The distinction was presented to the astronaut by Protosyncellus Simeon Cuțui, Cultural Exarch of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, during a festive session of the Romanian Academy marking…

May 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks National Peony Day as flower gains status as symbol of Romanian soldiers’ heroism

Romania’s national flower is celebrated annually on 15 May, with the peony recognised as a symbol of Romanian soldiers’ heroism. Efforts to secure official recognition for the peony were supported by the community “Bujorul Românesc – The Romanian Peony”, founded in 2015 by Cristina Turnagiu Dragna and Andreea Tănăsescu, creator of the “La Blouse Roumaine”…

May 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

International Day of Families highlights social inequality and child wellbeing in 2026

The International Day of Families is observed annually on 15 May. The theme for 2026 highlights the impact of social and economic inequalities on family life and child development. The International Day of Families is marked under a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. The UN warns that many families face…

May 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Local proclamation of Saint Blandina’s canonisation to take place in Iași this Sunday

The local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Blandina will take place on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iași, the Press Office of the Archdiocese of Iași announced. The liturgical programme will begin on the eve of the solemn event, at 4:00 p.m., with the vigil service in honour of the saint. The local…

May 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in Madrid to receive Brancovenesque-style façade restoration

The Diocesan Cathedral “Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple” in Madrid will undergo façade finishing and decorative works featuring elements specific to the Brancovenesque architectural style. The project, entitled Highlighting the Brancovenesque Style: Natural Stone Ornaments and the Completion of the Façade of the Diocesan Cathedral in Madrid, is currently being implemented…

May 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu