Anniversaries and commemorations

Patriarch Daniel of Romania turns 73

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania has turned 73 on Monday, July 22. His Beatitude has hold Romania’s patriarchal see for 17 years, having over three decades of hierarchical experience. The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church is originally from the village of Dobrești, Timiș County. He was the third child in the family of…

Jul 22, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

250th anniversary of the translation of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics to Bucharest

Saturday, July 13, marks the 250th anniversary of the translation of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics to Bucharest. How Saint Demetrius’ relics arrived in Bucharest The historical context in which the venerated relics arrived in Romania’s capital was during the Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774). Battles were fought on Romanian soil and south of the Danube. When…

Jul 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Basilica News Agency, conveying The Good to Know for 16 years

In a world dominated by information, Patriarch Daniel considered the presence of the Orthodox Church essential in Romanian media. Thus, just one month after his enthronement, on October 27, 2007, he founded the Basilica Media Centre, which includes Radio Trinitas, Trinitas TV, Lumina publications, the Basilica News Agency, and the Press and Public Relations Office.…

Jun 16, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Disciple of Saint Nikephoros the Leper and the most modern canonized Saint: 25 years since his repose

On May 23, we commemorate 25 years since the repose of the most modern saint, who was canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in March 2022: Venerable Evmenios Saridakis. Known primarily as a disciple of Saint Nikephoros the Leper, Evmenios himself had leprosy, which he accepted with joy and from which he was later healed.…

May 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

25th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Historic Visit to Romania

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s momentous visit to Romania, a significant event in the history of both the Catholic and Orthodox communities. Held on May 7-9, 1999, this visit marked a Pope’s first visit to a predominantly Orthodox country, underscoring a pivotal moment of ecumenical dialogue and cooperation. During…

May 14, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

May 14: Romania marks National Day honouring martyrs who suffered in communist prisons

Romania’s martyrs from communist prisons are annually remembered on a National Day marked on May 14. In remembrance of the thousands of young people, intellectuals, theologians, and citizens of various social classes who opposed the communist regime and were detained between the nights of May 14 and 15, 1948, this day was established. A considerable…

May 14, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

In 2024, World Press Freedom Day invites journalists to raise awareness on environmental issues

Friday is World Press Freedom Day, marked annually on 3 May. It was established by the UN in 1993. The day’s purpose is to remind governments to live up to their promise to provide freedom of expression to the press and journalists. This year, the theme is environmental protection. This year’s theme is “A Press…

May 3, 2024Ștefana Totorcea

Labour Day pays tribute to industrial workers’ efforts to gain due recognition of their rights

International Labour Day, marked annually on May 1, was established by dozens of nations in memory of the struggle of America’s industrial workers for the eight-hour workday. In the 19th century in the US, it was not uncommon for workers to spend up to 16 hours a day at their jobs, reports America’s National Public…

May 1, 2024Ștefana Totorcea

Romanian Orthodox Church marks 139th autocephaly anniversary: Recognizing no other authority but the Saviour God-man

Today marks 139 years since the Ecumenical Patriarchate recognized the autocephaly of the Romanian Orthodox Church, an essential moment for the Church and the Romanian State, which had won its independence from the Ottoman Empire (1877). “Essentially, autocephaly is the recognition of the spiritual maturity and administrative and pastoral freedom of an Orthodox Church in…

Apr 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

World Down Syndrome Day: They have an additional chromosome, but are just as human as the rest of us

This Thursday we mark World Down Syndrome Day. This year’s theme calls upon everyone to end stereotyping the people with this genetic condition. Stereotypes can stop people with Down syndrome from being treated like other people. “We get treated like children, we are underestimated and we are excluded. Sometimes we are treated very badly or…

Mar 21, 2024Ștefana Totorcea

World Social Work Day: Building together the change we need

Social workers around the world celebrate their accomplishments on Tuesday, when World Social Work Day is marked. The initiative to celebrate World Social Work Day was endorsed by member organisations of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) at its General Assembly in Adelaide, Australia, in 2004. The date was agreed at the General Assembly…

Mar 19, 2024Ștefana Totorcea