Aurelian 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

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