Cultural

Yelena Popovic launched in US movie inspired by St Moses the Black: It aims to inspire those feeling trapped

Filmmaker Yelena Popovic talked to Orthodox Observer about her new movie, Moses the Black, which premiered in the United States on January 30. She explained that she took her inspiration from the Lives of the Saints, but told the story in a manner that can touch the hearts of those who need it most: “I…

Feb 5, 2026Ștefana Totorcea

London gallery stages first Brâncuși photography show in 20 years, Romanian institute says

The Thaddaeus Ropac gallery in London is hosting a photography exhibition dedicated to Constantin Brâncuși, the first of its kind in the past two decades, the Romanian Cultural Institute in London announced. The exhibition brings together photographs taken over three decades by the sculptor from Gorj County, most of them being shown in the United…

Jan 22, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Egypt discovers Byzantine-era monastery remains in Sohag, shedding light on Upper Egypt monastic life

Recent archaeological excavations in Egypt’s southern Sohag governorate have uncovered traces of a Byzantine-period monastery, offering new insights into the organisation and daily life of monastic communities in Upper Egypt. Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, said the discovery reflects the richness of the country’s historical heritage and the diversity of its religious…

Jan 21, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Rare Early Christian ‘Good Shepherd’ fresco found in ancient Nicaea tomb

A rare depiction of Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” has been uncovered in a chamber tomb in the Hisardere Necropolis in the ancient city of Nicaea (modern-day Iznik), in Turkey’s Bursa province, Turkiye Today reported. Researchers consider the scene to be the only known example of its kind identified so far in Anatolia, describing it…

Dec 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate to celebrate 1,400 years since the first Akathist Hymn in 2026 Jubilee Year

Next year will mark 14 centuries since the composition of the first and most beautiful Akathist Hymn in history, most likely written by Saint Romanos the Melodist and sung during a critical moment in the history of the Church and the City of Constantinople. This is the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God, which…

Oct 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s Central Bank issues commemorative coins for the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate

The National Bank of Romania (BNR) has released into circulation, starting October 6, a set of gold, silver, and copper-tombac coins. These are dedicated to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. The obverse of the coins features a depiction of the National Cathedral. It includes the inscriptions “ROMANIA” and “CATEDRALA NAȚIONALĂ”, the year of issue…

Oct 8, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Lebanon Metropolis publishes tribute album for Saint Sofian of Antim, Bucharest’s Apostle

The Metropolis of Byblos, Botris, and Mount Lebanon (Patriarchate of Antioch) has published a commemorative album dedicated to Saint Sofian of Antim, who painted the Church of Saint George at Deir el-Harf Monastery, near Broummana in eastern Lebanon. The volume, printed in English, includes previously unpublished photographs of Saint Sofian of Antim and serves as…

Sep 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Albania inaugurates first monumental statue of Christ in Albanian Alps

Albania has unveiled its first monumental statue of Jesus Christ, inaugurated recently at one of the most scenic points of the Albanian Alps, in the Nikaj-Mërtur Natural Park in the Tropojë region. The statue depicts Christ with outstretched arms, reminiscent of the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue in Rio de Janeiro, according to JOQ Albania.…

Aug 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Archaeologists in northern Israel uncover world’s earliest home for elderly

Researchers from the University of Haifa have discovered what they say is the world’s oldest nursing home, in the Byzantine (Roman) city of Hippos, the Times of Israel reported. Israeli archaeologists made the identification based on a mosaic inscribed with the words “Peace to the Elders,” uncovered on Monday, August 18, during excavations at Hippos…

Aug 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Archaeologists discover 1,400-year-old Christian cross in Abu Dhabi, confirming ancient monastery site

A team of archaeologists has recently discovered a 30-centimetre-long stucco cross in the United Arab Emirates, dating back at least 1,300 years. The Christian symbol confirms that a group of houses unearthed decades ago was part of a monastery. The nine small courtyard dwellings were first discovered in 1992 on Sir Bani Yas Island, located…

Aug 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Eminescu bas-relief unveiled in Bulgaria’s Sveti Vlas, honouring Romanian-Bulgarian cultural ties

A bas-relief of Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu was unveiled last week on the Alley of Nations in the Bulgarian city of Sveti Vlas. The event was attended by Brândușa Predescu, Romania’s Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria; Ștefania Bercu-Martak, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Romania; Gheorghi Nakov, a member of Romania’s Parliament representing the Bulgarian…

Jul 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu