Anniversaries and commemorations

Romanian Patriarch Daniel marks 39 years since monastic tonsure

His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, received the monastic tonsure 39 years ago at the age of 36. His monastic sponsor was St. Cleopas of Sihăstria, one of the great spiritual elders of Romanian Orthodoxy, who was canonised by the Holy Synod in 2024. The monastic tonsure took place at Sihăstria Monastery…

Aug 7, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu: A founder of Romanian theological culture

The Romanian Orthodox Church on Friday marks 40 years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, one of its most distinguished scholars and a major contributor to Romanian theological culture. Patriarch Iustin Moisescu was born on 5 March 1910 in the village of Cândești, Argeș County, Romania. He studied at the War Orphans’ Seminary in…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe marks name day

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe celebrates his name day on Friday, when the Orthodox Church commemorates St. Joseph of Arimathea. The Holy and Righteous Joseph of Arimathea is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on 31 July. A secret disciple of Jesus Christ, he joined Nicodemus in taking down the Lord’s body…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate recognised Romanian Patriarchate 101 years ago today

On 30 July 1925, the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued a Synodal Tomos recognising the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate, confirming the decision adopted by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on 4 February of the same year. In accordance with the canonical order, the Holy Synod’s decision was communicated to the sister Orthodox Churches…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Teoctist remembered 19 years after his repose

The Romanian Orthodox Church commemorates Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu on 30 July, marking 19 years since his repose in the Lord. Patriarch Teoctist of blessed memory reposed in the Lord on 30 July 2007, after 21 years as Patriarch of Romania and 57 years of episcopal ministry. Born Theodor Arăpașu on 7 February 1915 in the…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks 70 years of UNESCO membership, highlighting its rich religious heritage

Romania marks 70 years of UNESCO membership on Monday. On 27 July 1956, the country became a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), joining the international effort to protect and promote the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Over the past seven decades, Romania has strengthened its presence within UNESCO through…

Jul 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

113 years since the birth of St. John Jacob of Neamț, the Romanian ascetic who sanctified the Holy Land

Thursday marks the 113th anniversary of the birth of St. John Jacob of Neamț, the New Chozebite, who continued the tradition of ascetic life in the Holy Land at the very places where the Prophet Elijah, St. Anne, the Mother of the Theotokos, and St. George of Chozeba had lived as hermits. Born on July…

Jul 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

St John Maximovitch, missionary Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, remembered 60 years after his repose

The Orthodox Church on Thursday marks the 60th anniversary of the repose of St John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, one of the twentieth century’s most revered Orthodox saints whose missionary ministry extended across Asia, Europe and North America. St John was added to the Romanian Orthodox Church’s calendar in 2023, with his…

Jul 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada celebrates 20th anniversary of episcopal ordination

His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada marks the twentieth anniversary of his episcopal ordination on Thursday. He was ordained to the episcopate on 2 July 2006 at the Cathedral of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen in Chicago. He initially served as Assistant Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas. Biographical Background…

Jul 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

On This Day: Metropolitan Nicodim Munteanu elected Patriarch of Romania in 1939

Eighty-seven years ago today, Metropolitan Nicodim Munteanu was elected Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, succeeding Patriarch Miron Cristea. Nicodim Munteanu was born Nicolae on 6 December 1864 in the village of Pipirig, Neamț County, into a devout farming family. At the age of fourteen, he entered the monastic community of Pocrov Skete near Neamț…

Jun 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s Senate marks 162 years since establishment; Orthodox Metropolitan was first president

Romania’s Senate marks 162 years since its establishment on Tuesday, June 17. The institution’s first president was Metropolitan Nifon Rusailă of Hungro-Wallachia, who later became Romania’s first Primate Metropolitan. The upper chamber of Parliament was created in 1864 at the initiative of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza through the “Developing Statute of the Paris Convention,” according…

Jun 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu