Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox churches to hold special prayers for peace as Ukraine war enters fourth year

Special prayers for peace will be offered in all places of worship of the Romanian Patriarchate on Sunday, 22 February 2026, marking four years since the outbreak of the devastating war in Ukraine. Romanian Orthodox priests, both in the country and throughout the diaspora, will pray in parish churches, monastery chapels and churches, as well…

Feb 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch praises Metropolitan Iosif’s diaspora ministry on 60th birthday

Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church has sent a congratulatory message to Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe on the occasion of his 60th birthday, praising his missionary zeal, pastoral dedication and efforts to strengthen Romanian Orthodox communities across the diaspora. In the message, the Patriarch of Romania highlights Metropolitan Iosif’s role as…

Feb 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

80 years since Romania’s ‘Burning Bush’ hesychast movement began

The Library of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has marked 80 years since the official launch of the “Burning Bush” spiritual movement at Antim Monastery in Bucharest, commemorating the anniversary in a social media post. In a petition addressed to Patriarch Nicodim and dated 12 February 1946, several Christian lay intellectuals requested…

Feb 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae urges balance between fasting and daily responsibilities ahead of Great Lent

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas has called on the faithful, as Great Lent approaches, to maintain “a balance between the effort of fasting and the fulfilment of daily responsibilities.” In his pastoral message marking the beginning of Great Lent, the Metropolitan stressed that this fasting season is not…

Feb 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarch says asceticism leads to genuine freedom in Great Lent message

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has issued a catechetical homily ahead of Great Lent 2026, emphasising that ascetic struggle — properly understood — reveals the true freedom of the Christian life. In his message, made public by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Patriarch Bartholomew described Great Lent as a time for repentance, prayer, humility and spiritual vigilance,…

Feb 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe turns 60

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe turned 60 on Thursday, marking a milestone in a life dedicated to the service of the Church. Metropolitan Iosif was born on 19 February 1966 in Vișeu de Jos, Maramureș County, northern Romania. He graduated from “Gheorghe Șincai” High School in Baia Mare, the “Andrei Șaguna”…

Feb 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s oldest Theology student turns 90 after life marked by trials

Amalia Susana Tușa, a final-year student at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca, was celebrated on Monday by the academic community as she marked her 90th birthday. She is the oldest student currently enrolled at a Romanian university. Born on 14 February 1936 in Cluj, Amalia Susana Tușa graduated from secondary school with the…

Feb 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate’s Basilica Media Centre receives special prize at Journalists’ Gala

The Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate was awarded a Special Prize at the Gala of the Union of Professional Journalists of Romania (UZPR), held on Monday evening at the “Ion Creangă” Theatre in Bucharest. The event was opened by Dan Constantin, President of the UZPR, and moderated by Daniela Mihai Soare, journalist with…

Feb 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox priests in psychiatry hospitals hold first national conference

The first national conference of charity priests serving in psychiatric hospitals is taking place this week at the Voila Psychiatric Hospital in Câmpina. Participants highlighted the importance of cooperation between medical professionals and Church ministers in the healing of patients “in body, mind and soul.” The event opened Tuesday with the Divine Liturgy in the…

Feb 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate urges emergency aid after heavy snow and blizzard

Following heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions that have affected numerous communities across the country, the Romanian Patriarchate calls upon all diocesan centres in the affected areas to provide urgent assistance to those in need, especially the elderly and families with limited financial means, to clear snow from their households and overcome critical situations. At the…

Feb 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate spokesperson urges fewer screens, deeper communion as Orthodox enter Great Lent

As Orthodox Christians prepare to enter Great Lent — the most profound and searching season of the Church year — the contrast between the stillness the Fast calls us to and the agitation of contemporary society becomes increasingly evident. In this context, Fr Adrian Agachi, Patriarchal Adviser and spokesperson of the Romanian Patriarchate, reflects on…

Feb 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu