Cultural

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 The volume, printed in English, includes previously unpublished photographs of Saint Sofian of Antim and serves as…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

Romanian Orthodox Church launches digital archive of over 60,000 cultural artifacts

The Romanian Patriarchate has launched a major project to digitise the cultural heritage of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Romanians will gain online access to over 60,000 historical books, manuscripts, documents, and other valuable items from churches across the country. The project will scan and digitally preserve 60,015 historical, artistic, and documentary items dating from the…

Jul 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Byzantine-era basilica ruins discovered near Fethiye Fortress in Southwestern Turkey

Near the outer walls of the fortified citadel overlooking Fethiye Bay in Muğla Province, southwestern Turkey, archaeologists have discovered the ruins of a basilica likely dating back to the Middle Byzantine period (9th–12th centuries AD). The discovery was made during archaeological excavations conducted by experts from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the…

Jul 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Oxford University Press to publish Patristic Study Bible led by Romanian Orthodox priest and international scholars

Oxford University Press is preparing a new English translation of the Holy Scriptures—a comprehensive study Bible—in a landmark academic project initiated and co-led by a Romanian Orthodox priest. The Ancient Christian Study Bible (ACSB) The coordinators of the project, titled The Ancient Christian Study Bible (ACSB), are Fr. Eugen Pentiuc, Dean of the Holy Cross…

Jul 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu