Aurelian Iftimiu

Nordic Bishop offers five perspectives on National Cathedral as symbol of Romanian popular piety

His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe has proposed five keys to a proper understanding of the National Cathedral. Bishop Macarie took part in the consecration of the mosaic iconography of the National Cathedral — an event about which much has been said and written. “I am writing down several reflections — possible keys of…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Over 230,000 faithful venerate at National Cathedral Altar one week after mosaic consecration

A week after the consecration of the iconography of the National Cathedral, more than 230,000 faithful have venerated in the Holy Altar. The place of worship remains open day and night until Wednesday, November 5. In the Holy Altar were placed for veneration the relics of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the Protector of Romania and…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Te Deum marks 100 years since enthronement of Romania’s first Patriarch Miron Cristea, who guided Church into modernity

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia officiated a Te Deum on Saturday at the Patriarchal Cathedral to mark 100 years since the enthronement of Romania’s first Patriarch. “Through the work of Patriarch Miron Cristea, the Romanian Orthodox Church stepped into modernity, properly prepared to carry out its evangelical mission,” the hierarch underlined. His Grace recalled…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks 100 years since enthronement of first Patriarch Miron Cristea

November 1 marked the centennial of the enthronement of Romania’s first Patriarch, Miron Cristea – a landmark moment in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church and in the spiritual life of the Romanian people. The event of 1 November 1925 confirmed the elevation of the Church to the rank of Patriarchate, thereby recognising its…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Romania’s National Cathedral is “an open book of Orthodox theology written in stone, colour, and light”

“Through all its component elements, the National Cathedral can be considered an open book of Orthodox theology, written in stone, colour, and light, which calls to prayer and holy communion,” emphasised His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel in an article published in the Sunday edition of Lumina newspaper. In the article published on October 26 on the…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

National Cathedral consecration in Bucharest draws millions of online views and major public engagement

The consecration of the National Cathedral’s iconography has sparked a wave of reactions and online shares. On the Facebook page of Basilica News Agency alone, posts dedicated to the event garnered millions of views – a sign of Romanians’ interest in one of the most important religious moments of the century. The consecration service was…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Assistant Bishop Sofian of Brașov praises National Cathedral as anchor of national identity

“A monument of our Romanian Orthodox unity and identity, of national dignity and the crowning of our people’s centuries-long efforts – the National Cathedral will be for our people a symbol and an anchor,” emphasised Assistant Bishop Sofian of Brașov of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg in a post on his…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

“Every Life Is a Miracle”: Interview with Father John Parker, Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary in the United States

Father John Parker is the Dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania – the oldest Orthodox theological institution in North America. After nearly three decades of ministry and of forming young people preparing for the priesthood, Father Parker speaks with depth and joy about the gift of life, the role of the…

Oct 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks Day of Military Clergy at National Cathedral, highlighting enduring bond between Church and Army

The Day of the Military Clergy in Romania was celebrated on Thursday at the National Cathedral with a Te Deum service officiated by His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești. The event was attended by the Minister of National Defence, members of the Royal Family, the Chief of the General Staff, all military chaplains,…

Oct 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae discusses training Latin American theology students in Romania

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas met last week with Rev. Associate Professor Dr Cezar-Paul Hârlăoanu, Dean of the “Dumitru Stăniloae” Faculty of Orthodox Theology at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, to discuss the possibility of training young people from Latin America who wish to study Theology in Romania. His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae…

Oct 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate to celebrate 1,400 years since the first Akathist Hymn in 2026 Jubilee Year

Next year will mark 14 centuries since the composition of the first and most beautiful Akathist Hymn in history, most likely written by Saint Romanos the Melodist and sung during a critical moment in the history of the Church and the City of Constantinople. This is the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God, which…

Oct 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu