Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate marks March 9 as day of remembrance for anti-communist political prisoners

On March 9, Romania commemorates both the Feast of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste and the Day of Remembrance for Anti-Communist Political Prisoners from the period 1944–1989. Each year on this date, Romanians have a moral duty to remember those who resisted the totalitarian communist regime, confessing the Orthodox faith against state-imposed atheism. Many were…

Mar 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia congratulates Patriarch Daniel on 36 years of episcopal ministry

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia sent a congratulatory message to His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. “Your Beatitude’s episcopal ministry has become for the Romanian people and for the entire Orthodox world a benchmark of pastoral vision, right confession of faith, and the active building of a…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Banat Metropolitan Ioan urges faithful to turn to icons, not television, in times of trouble

His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat urged the faithful on Sunday to turn their attention to the holy icon rather than to television when facing difficulties. Speaking on the Sunday of Orthodoxy about the importance of venerating icons, the metropolitan noted that they are a sign of the victory of the true faith. “During the…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian pilgrims return home safely after evacuation from Israel via Egypt

Romanian pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău returned home safely on Tuesday morning after being evacuated from Israel amid rising regional tensions, the group’s escort said. Father Valentin Chircu, who accompanied the pilgrims, told Basilica.ro that the tense moments began on the final day of the planned pilgrimage. “While we were attending the…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian parish in Leeds approved to establish first Romanian Orthodox cemetery in England

The Romanian Orthodox parish “Saint Macarius the Great” in Leeds has received official approval from local authorities to establish the first Romanian Orthodox cemetery in England. The cemetery is located at Upper & Lower Wortley Cemetery. It lies near the parish church. Additionally, it includes a section designated for the Romanian community with approximately 200…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian priest in Dubai urges calm as Middle East tensions raise concerns among diaspora

Father Alexandru Cristian Truşcan, parish priest of the Romanian community in Dubai, has issued a message of reassurance and caution amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, saying the community is closely monitoring developments. “We are following the evolution of the situation responsibly,” the priest told Basilica.ro. Amid recent geopolitical tensions in the region…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch Daniel marks 36 years since episcopal ordination

Wednesday marked 36 years since Patriarch Daniel, head of the Romanian Orthodox Church, was ordained bishop. On March 4, 1990—the first Sunday of Great Lent that year—he was ordained Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Timișoara, receiving the title “Bishop of Lugoj.” Patriarch Daniel was born on July 22, 1951, in the village of Dobrești,…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate calls for prayer and responsibility amid Middle East escalation and Ukraine war anniversary

Amid the escalation of the military conflict in the Middle East, which has already resulted in numerous casualties, and as four years have passed since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Romanian Patriarchate calls for prayer and responsibility, urging swift solutions for the restoration of peace and mutual understanding among nations. The devastating…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Thousands join icon procession in Roman, Romania, marking Sunday of Orthodoxy

More than 2,000 pilgrims carried icons in procession through the streets of the city of Roman on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, a celebration marking the triumph of the veneration of icons in the Orthodox Church. The event was organised by the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău in partnership with local public authorities. The procession began…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian pilgrims evacuated from Israel with Church assistance amid security crisis

Romanian pilgrims in Israel have been assisted by the Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate to the Holy Places in leaving the conflict area safely. According to Archimandrite Ioan Meiu, the evacuation was carried out through the only currently safe route available — the border crossing into Egypt. “Romanian bus drivers and guides based in Israel…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks first official Women’s Month following parliamentary approval

Sunday marked the beginning of Women’s Month in Romania, the first year the observance is being officially celebrated after Parliament approved the initiative and it was promulgated by President Nicușor Dan. According to the explanatory memorandum accompanying the adopted legislation, the law aims to highlight “the positive impact women have had on Romanian society in…

Mar 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu