Anniversaries and commemorations

35 years since the reactivation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate in Romania

Sunday marked 35 years since the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate’s re-establishment under the Romanian Patriarchate’s jurisdiction. Following the fall of the atheist communist regime, Orthodox Ukrainians in Romania sought the blessing of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Church to reinstate the Ukrainian Vicariate, which had been dissolved by the communist authorities in 1952. The initiative…

Mar 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Serafim of Germany marks 35 years of episcopal ministry

On Tuesday, March 11, His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central, and Northern Europe celebrates 35 years of episcopal ministry. He was ordained as Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sibiu, bearing the title “Bishop of Făgărăș”, shortly after the fall of communism, on March 11, 1990. Early Life and Education Born on September 4,…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Patriarch Iustin Moisescu on his 115th birth anniversary: A pillar of Romanian theological renewal

Wednesday marks 115 years since the birth of the late Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, who led the Romanian Orthodox Church as its fourth Patriarch. Born on March 5, 1910, in Cândești, then part of Muscel County (now Argeș County), he lost his father at a young age in the War of Reunification. Academic Excellence and Theological…

Mar 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Siluan of Italy turns 55

On Wednesday, His Grace Bishop Siluan of Italy marks his 55th birthday. Born on March 5, 1970, in Gura Râului, Sibiu County, he was the fourth of six children in a priest’s family. Theological Studies and Early Ministry Between 1989 and 1993, he studied at the Andrei Șaguna Faculty of Theology in Sibiu, followed by…

Mar 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Miraculous Syriac Icon of the Mother of God marks 67 years at Ghighiu Monastery

On February 25, 1958, the miraculous “Syriac” Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Ghighiu Monastery by Metropolitan Basil Samaha of Sergiopolis from the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. For 67 years, many faithful who have prayed before the icon at Ghighiu Monastery have testified to receiving swift aid, healing, and…

Feb 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

140 years since the birth of Father John the Stranger, a key figure in the Burning Bush hesychast movement

One hundred forty years have passed since the birth of Father John the Stranger, a priest who introduced the Jesus Prayer to the Bucharest-based Burning Bush hesychast movement, as he had learned it from the elders of Optina Monastery. “John the Stranger” is the name by which Father Ioann Kulygin, born on February 24, 1885,…

Feb 24, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Bucharest holds memorial for war victims on third anniversary of conflict

On Sunday, the Ukrainian Orthodox Parish “Saint Peter Mogila” in Bucharest held a memorial service for the victims of the war in Ukraine, marking three years since the conflict began. The service was preceded by the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Father Vladimir-Clement Malcovici, the parish priest of the Ukrainian community. “I have parishioners who come…

Feb 24, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

It is not my honor, but that of the entire Church: Patriarch Miron on the debate on the Law establishing the Romanian Patriarchate

A century ago, on February 17, 1925, the Chamber of Deputies of Romania held a historic debate on the Law for the Establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. During the session, Metropolitan Miron Cristea, who was soon to be enthroned as the first Patriarch of Romania, delivered a memorable speech. “This Honor Belongs to the Entire…

Feb 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church marks 100 years since becoming a Patriarchate

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates 100 years since the Holy Synod approved the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. This decision elevated Patriarch Miron Cristea, then Archbishop of Bucharest and Metropolitan of Ungro-Wallachia (Muntenia), as the first Patriarch of Romania. The Romanian Parliament officially recognized the Synodal decision through a special…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Youth Day celebrated worldwide on February 2

Orthodox Youth Day is observed annually on February 2, marking an occasion for young Orthodox Christians worldwide to celebrate their faith and community. This International Day was established in June 1992 during the 14th General Assembly of Syndesmos – The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth. The initiative received the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and…

Feb 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

On this day in 1992, the Metropolis of Bessarabia was reactivated by the Holy Synod

Thirty-two years ago, on December 19, 1992, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially acknowledged the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. This autonomous metropolis, based in Chișinău, became integral to the Romanian Orthodox Church. The decision to reactivate the Metropolis of Bessarabia was made by clergy and faithful gathered at the Archdiocesan…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu