Aurelian 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

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Daniel meet Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Patriarch Daniel met on Tuesday with the Prime Minister of Romania at the Victoria Palace in Bucharest. The two Church leaders were welcomed by the head of government in the “Muntenia” Hall. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan expressed his joy at receiving the visit of the two delegations. “We are honoured…

Oct 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Austrian Embassy congratulates Romania on National Cathedral mosaic consecration, highlights Austrian-made bells and chandeliers

The Austrian Embassy in Bucharest has sent a message of congratulations to the Romanian people on the occasion of the consecration of the mosaic iconography of the National Cathedral, also highlighting the contribution of Austrian companies that produced the monumental bells and chandeliers of the world’s largest Orthodox church. In a message posted on its…

Oct 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

At Holy Synod session, Ecumenical Patriarch calls on Romanian Church to foster Orthodox unity

During a solemn Holy Synod session on Tuesday marking the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and 140 years of autocephaly, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I urged the Romanian Orthodox Church to continue working for the unity of the Orthodox world. Addressing the gathering in Bucharest, His Holiness praised the “close, fraternal, and enduring ties” between the…

Oct 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Presidential Adviser says Romania’s National Cathedral not to blame for lack of schools or hospitals

Radu Burnete, Presidential Adviser for Economic and Social Policies to the President of Romania, wrote on Facebook that factual data on public investments over the past 15 years shows that the shortage of schools, hospitals, or other infrastructure is not related to the construction of the National Cathedral. Money spent by Romania on public investments…

Oct 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint Demetrius the New brought to Romania’s National Cathedral for veneration

On the evening of October 29, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m., the reliquary containing the Holy Relics of Saint Demetrius the New, the Protector of Bucharest, will be brought to the National Cathedral, where it will be placed for veneration in the Holy Altar. The relics of Saint Demetrius the New will remain there until…

Oct 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu