Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel calls for shared responsibility in promoting interfaith dialogue

Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel has called for “shared responsibility” among religious communities and state institutions in promoting mutual respect, social peace and interreligious dialogue, warning that antisemitism, xenophobia and all forms of intolerance have no place in public life. In a message addressed to a working meeting between representatives of Romania’s recognised religious denominations and…

Jan 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s religious leaders and Government meet to tackle antisemitism and hate speech

Representatives of the religious denominations officially recognised in Romania and government officials met on Friday to discuss the prevention and combating of antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. The delegate of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, was His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, the Holy Synod’s general secretary.…

Jan 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate envoy attends New Year reception hosted by Israeli President in Jerusalem

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Ioan Meiu, the representative of the Romanian Patriarchate to the Holy Places, attended on Monday the official New Year reception hosted by His Excellency Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, and First Lady Michal Herzog. The event took place at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem, in the presence of the Director General…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in UK unveils youth projects for 2026

The Youth Department of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has announced the projects it plans to implement in 2026. Among the department’s initiatives are the organisation of introductory training courses in youth work for priests and youth workers, the running of camps and pilgrimages, the coordination of educational and cultural…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Veniamin warns of demographic crisis, urges support for Christian family in Republic of Moldova

Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia drew attention during his homily last Sunday to the challenges posed by the demographic crisis, highlighting the essential role of the Christian family in the birth, upbringing and education of children. His Grace emphasised the need to encourage women and mothers in order to strengthen the family and promote childbirth,…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

UK Romanian priest calls for dialogue between theology and psychology in addressing mental health

“A spiritual father needs to distinguish between a mental disorder and a spiritual disturbance,” Father Justin Mihoc said in an interview for the Hristocentric project, underlining the need for dialogue between theology and psychology in contemporary society. Father Justin Mihoc is the parish priest of the Romanian community in Durham, in northern England. He is…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Over 5 billion live under religious discrimination, interfaith dialogue seen as remedy

More than two-thirds of the world’s population lives in countries where religious freedom is restricted or violated, according to a 2025 report published by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN International). The document notes that interreligious dialogue and cooperation between communities can help reduce discrimination and promote social peace. Analysing the situation in 196…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Generation Z shows rising interest in Christianity in Britain, report finds

Interest in Christianity is increasing among young people in the United Kingdom, according to data from a report published by the Bible Society. Participation in religious life among those aged 18 to 24 has increased fourfold over the past six years. The report highlights that this growing interest is particularly visible among young people from…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Bishop marks one year in office as Church life expands in Ireland

His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland marked on Sunday one year since his enthronement as head of the diocese, an occasion that highlighted the expansion of Romanian Orthodox church life in Ireland. The Bishop of Ireland and Iceland celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of “Saint Columba and the Holy Great Martyr…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church voices strong opposition to proposal to legalise prostitution

The Romanian Patriarchate expresses deep concern and disapproval regarding an initiative aimed at legalising prostitution, considering such an approach incompatible with Orthodox Christian teaching and with respect for human dignity. Prostitution represents a serious form of exploitation and commercialisation of the human body for financial gain, with profound negative consequences for both the individual and…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania has EU’s largest diaspora as millions seek work abroad, Church becomes anchor for communities

Romania is the European Union country with the largest number of citizens living outside its borders. More than 3 million Romanians reside legally in EU member states, according to Eurostat data. The real number is higher, however, given that not all Romanians in the diaspora appear in official statistics, especially those who have acquired citizenship…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu