Anniversaries and commemorations

28th anniversary of Fr Dumitru Staniloae’s repose

Twenty-eight years have passed since Father Dumitru Stăniloae’s repose in the Lord. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki first awarded him the title of Doctor honoris causa in 1976 on the recommendation of Athonite abbots. The theologian Olivier Clément called him “the greatest contemporary Orthodox theologian”, and the existentialist philosopher Emil Cioran said that “Philokalia is…

Oct 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church: 14 pages of history under the leadership of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel

Thursday, September 30, 2021, marked 14 years since the enthronement of His Beatitude Daniel as Patriarch of Romania. For the Romanian Orthodox Church, these years have been memorable, with efforts to keep pace with an ever-changing world while preserving its saving values. All this has been coordinated with pastoral insight by the actual leader of…

Sep 30, 2021Ștefana Totorcea

Never say “I will do it tomorrow”: Elder Dionisie of Colciu’s 112th birth anniversary

September 22, 2021, marks 112 years since the birth of Elder Dionisie Ignat of Colciu Skete on the Holy Mount Athos, the one who said: “Never say ‘I will do it tomorrow’ because only the second we live is ours.” Father Dionisie Ignat was born on September 22, 1909, in Vorniceni commune, Botoşani county. At…

Sep 22, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

2021 International Peace Day Theme: Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, the theme chosen for the International Day of Peace in 2021 is “Better recovery for a fair and sustainable world,” according to the UN. “Celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate online and offline, and by spreading compassion, kindness, and hope in the face of the…

Sep 21, 2021Gheorghe Anghel

Celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Fr Alexander Schmemann

Monday, September 13, 2021 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, Dean of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and one of the 20th century’s leading Orthodox Christian theologians. Father Alexander was born in Estonia in 1921 to a family of Russian emigres. He spent his youth in France, where he completed his secondary and…

Sep 13, 2021Sorin Ioniţe

Elder Sofian Boghiu prayerfully remembered on 19th anniversary of his repose

Monastics and faithful from across Bucharest gathered at St Anthimos Monastery, where Elder Sofian Boghiu lived, to pay tribute to the late Romanian Orthodox monk on the 19th anniversary of his blessed repose on Saturday. “That’s how Father was: with patience, gentleness and humility,” hieromonk Antim recalled in a homily. “This could be seen especially…

Sep 13, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks National Day of Brâncoveanu Martyrs and of Awareness of Violence against Christians

August 16 marks Romania’s National Day of Remembrance of the Brancoveanu Martyrs and of Awareness of Violence against Christians. Romania’s President ratified the law proclaiming August 16 as “National Day of Remembrance of the Brancoveanu Martyrs and of Awareness of Violence against Christians” on July 16, 2020. The day of August 16 was chosen to coincide with…

Aug 16, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel turns 70

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania celebrates his 70th birthday on Thursday. He was born on 22 July 1951, to parents Alexe and Stela Ciobotea, in Dobreşti village, Bara commune, county of Timiş. He was baptised Dan-Ilie. Education and professional experience 1958 – 1962 – he attends the primary school in his native village Dobreşti, county…

Jul 22, 2021Iulian Dumitraşcu

The relics of Saint Demetrius the New have been protecting Bucharest for 247 years

July 13, 2021, marks 247 years since the holy relics of St. Demetrius the New, the most valuable treasure of the Patriarchal Cathedral, were brought to Bucharest. How did the relics of St. Demetrius arrive in Bucharest? The historical context in which the honourable relics arrived in the Romanian Capital was the Russo-Turkish War of…

Jul 13, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Elder Joseph of Vatopedi’s 100th birth anniversary, 12 years since his “smile from eternity”

A century has passed since the birth of Elder Joseph of Vatopedi and 12 years since his blessed repose in the Lord. One of the most beloved elders of the Holy Mountain, Father Joseph fell asleep in the Lord, on his birthday, on July 1, 2009. A miracle happened immediately after his passing into eternity:…

Jul 1, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate’s Basilica Media Centre marks its patronal feast on Pentecost Monday

All five institutions that are part of the Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate were placed under the protection of the Holy Trinity, having as a model and help the Divine Persons who “offer Themselves to each other and work together in perfect harmony, and Their glory shows the holiness and beauty of Their…

Jun 21, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu