Aurelian Iftimiu

315,000 pilgrims visit National Cathedral’s altar in 11 days after iconography consecration in Bucharest

The pilgrimage organised at the National Cathedral to mark the consecration of its mosaic iconography has ended after 11 days, during which 315,000 faithful passed through the Holy Altar. The place of worship will remain open for visits until November 14, from 11:00 to 19:00. The final pilgrim passed through the Holy Altar on Thursday…

Nov 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian priest in Vienna says two extremely premature babies survived after emergency Baptism

Father Ioan Moga of the Romanian Orthodox Church “Saint Anthony” in Vienna wrote on Facebook about what he described as miracles he witnessed at the Neonatology Department of the AKH Hospital: two premature baby girls — one weighing only 460g and the other 800g — survived thanks to divine providence and modern medical technology. The…

Nov 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Apostles’ Fast in 2026 to last 21 days, longest in eight years

The Apostles’ Fast in 2026 will last 21 days, making it the longest in the past eight years. The fast will begin on Monday, 8 June, and end on Saturday, 28 June, on the eve of the feast of the two great Apostles Peter and Paul. The duration of the Apostles’ Fast varies from year…

Nov 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Benelux Orthodox Bishops discuss chaplaincy in Belgian Army and prisons, Religion classes in Dutch schools

Orthodox bishops in the Benelux met in Brussels on Tuesday for the 31st meeting of the Orthodox Episcopal Conference of the region. Key topics included Christian Orthodox religious assistance in the Belgian armed forces and prison system, as well as the potential introduction of Orthodox religion classes in primary schools in the Netherlands. The Conference…

Nov 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate highlights Saint Basil’s Family as model for families today

The Romanian Patriarchate is highlighting the family of Saint Basil the Great as a model for contemporary Christian families, as it designated 2026 as the Solemn Year of Christian Family Pastoral Care and the Commemorative Year of the Holy Women in the Church Calendar. The official icon for 2026 depicts Saint Basil’s family, which produced…

Nov 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Nativity Fast to span 41 days with weekend fish allowances

The Orthodox Nativity Fast in 2025 will run for 41 days — from November 14 to December 24 — during which believers observe dietary discipline, with fish permitted on Saturdays and Sundays except in the first and final week. By contrast, in Orthodox communities that follow the unrevised Julian (Old) Calendar, the Nativity Fast starts…

Nov 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate expresses condolences after Romanian worker dies in Rome tower collapse

We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragedy in Rome, where the collapse of the historic Torre dei Conti resulted in the death of Romanian worker Octav Stroici and injured several others who were working at the site. In these moments of hardship, the Romanian Patriarchate expresses its solidarity and compassion for those who…

Nov 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s National Cathedral sets November–December schedule after major pilgrimage

The Romanian Patriarchate reminds the public that, after 11 days of continuous pilgrimage, the opportunity for the faithful to venerate inside the Holy Altar of the National Cathedral will end on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at midnight. Visiting Hours Following the Pilgrimage Period However, from November 6 to November 14, the National Cathedral will be…

Nov 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian priests hold memorial 10 years on for Colectiv victims “who never had the chance to grow old”

A memorial service for the victims of the Colectiv nightclub fire was held last week at the roadside cross erected in front of the former club, marking ten years since the tragedy. The service was held on Thursday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fabrica Pionerul – Parcul Bucur access area in Bucharest’s Sector…

Nov 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Basarabia Metropolitan congratulates Republic of Moldova’s new Government after swearing-in

Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia sent a message of congratulations to the new government of the Republic of Moldova upon its inauguration. Following recent parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, a new government led by Alexandru Munteanu was formed and took the oath of office on Saturday before the country’s president, Maia Sandu. Metropolitan Petru…

Nov 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Budapest Romanian Orthodox parish marks 125th anniversary

Romanian Orthodox believers in Budapest marked on Sunday the 125th anniversary of their parish’s establishment in the Hungarian capital, with a festive Divine Liturgy led by Bishop Siluan of Hungary. Concelebrants for the Divine Liturgy included Hieromonk David Pop, Superior of the “Saint John the Baptist” Monastic Settlement; parish priest Marius Maghiaru, dean of Budapest;…

Nov 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu