Aurelian Iftimiu

Child is ‘epiphany of divine gift, not biological accident’, Archbishop Irineu says at International Symposium

His Eminence Archbishop Irineu of Alba Iulia said on Monday that “the child is an epiphany of the divine gift, not a biological accident,” during the International Symposium on Science, Theology and Art (ISSTA), dedicated to reflection on family and Christian identity in a changing world. The event, held under the theme “Parenting, gender and…

May 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Irodion honoured at Lainici Monastery as hierarchs highlight his miraculous intercession

Saint Irodion was commemorated on Sunday at Lainici Monastery, on the Jiu Valley, Romania, which he led as abbot for 41 years. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia, together with Archbishop Varsanufie of Râmnic, and Bishops Nicodim of Severin and Strehaia, Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, Sebastian of Slatina and Romanați, and…

May 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel hails Saint Mavra of Ceahlău as icon of unceasing prayer and steadfast humility

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania on Monday delivered a message marking the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Mavra of Ceahlău, presenting the 17th–18th century ascetic as a model of unceasing prayer and humility for contemporary believers. In his address, the Patriarch highlighted the saint’s role in the early development of hesychast spirituality…

May 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, Austria and Luxembourg holds 30th Eparchial Assembly in Nuremberg

The 30th Eparchial Assembly of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, Austria and Luxembourg took place last Friday, May 1,  at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Nuremberg. Administrative and pastoral proceedings began with a Te Deum service celebrated by His Grace Sofian of Brașov, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese. His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim Joantă of Germany,…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Casian prays with people with disabilities in Galați, calls for compassion and solidarity

His Eminence Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube joined people with disabilities in prayer on Sunday at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Galați. The Archbishop emphasised the importance of solidarity, inspired by the Gospel of the Healing of the Paralysed Man at Bethesda: “Being constantly people among people, so that no one today may complain of…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru marks 101 years since Chișinău Archdiocese elevated to Metropolis

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia issued a message on Monday marking 101 years since the Archdiocese of Chișinău was elevated to the rank of Metropolis through legislative acts confirmed by Royal Decree. “This anniversary recalls the foundation of the sacrificial altar in Bessarabia, built upon the labour, patience and fidelity to truth of our…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Irene honoured as patron of Santorini in first official island celebration

Saint Irene the Great Martyr is being celebrated for the first time on Tuesday as the patron saint of Santorini. The decision followed a request by the Metropolis of Thera, Amorgos and Nisioi and was approved by the Municipal Council of Thera. Presidential Decree no. 81/2025 establishes 5 May as an official local holiday in…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian women in history: 20 years since the repose of Mother Benedicta, scholar who embraced monastic life

Tuesday marks 20 years since the repose of Mother Benedicta — academician Zoe Dumitrescu-Bușulenga — who, during the communist period, urged her students to read the Bible and, after its fall, rose to become Vice-President of the Romanian Academy before choosing the path of monastic life. She was born on 20 August 1920 in Bucharest…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Six centuries since the martyrdom of Saint Ephraim the New, wonderworker of Nea Makri

Six centuries ago, on 5 May 1426, Saint Ephraim the New surrendered his soul after enduring prolonged and brutal torture for the Orthodox faith. Saint Ephraim was born in Greece on 14 September 1384 and was left fatherless at a young age. At the age of 14, he entered monastic life at the Monastery of…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Christ calls us to show mercy at all times, following the healing at Bethesda

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania underlined on Sunday that “Jesus Christ teaches us that at all times we must do good, showing merciful love and offering help to those who suffer, the sick and the lonely.” The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church interpreted the Gospel passage of the healing of the paralysed man…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian in history: Queen Helen, Righteous Among the Nations and the mother of a wise king

Sunday marked 130 years since the birth of Queen Helen of Romania, posthumously honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations for saving the lives of thousands of Jews and, indirectly, preventing the deportation of tens of thousands more through her interventions with Ion Antonescu. Alongside this courageous involvement in public affairs, she fulfilled…

May 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu