Anniversaries and commemorations

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

Five year anniversary of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church

Five years ago, on June 16, began the writing of ‘a new chapter in the history of the Church’ as Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called the meeting of the Local Orthodox Churches that took place on the island of Crete. The Council took place from June 16 to June 26, 2016, at the Orthodox Academy of…

Jun 16, 2021basilica.ro

For 13 years, the Basilica News Agency: Profile

In a world assailed by information, Patriarch Daniel saw the presence of the Orthodox Church in the Romanian media landscape as a primary necessity. Less than a month after his enthronement, on October 27, 2007, His Beatitude established the Basilica Media Centre, consisting of five components: Radio Trinitas, Trinitas TV, Lumina publications, Basilica News Agency,…

Jun 16, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

June 14, World Blood Donor Day. Around 19,000 liters of blood being harvested in Romanian Patriarchate campaign

Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event serves to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure the quality, safety, and availability of blood and blood products for patients in…

Jun 14, 2021Iulian Dumitraşcu

World Oceans Day: June 8, 2021

World Oceans Day takes place every June 8. The concept was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit – UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly passed…

Jun 8, 2021Iulian Dumitraşcu