Diaspora

First Romanian Orthodox parish in Netherlands marks 45 years with anniversary liturgy

The St Gregory the Theologian Parish in Schiedam/Rotterdam—the first Romanian Orthodox parish in the Netherlands—celebrated its patron saint and marked 45 years since its founding on Sunday. On this occasion, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, together with the parish priest, Ioan Dură, and Fr. Laurent Van Damme…

Jan 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Diocese in Australia and New Zealand reviews 2025 activity at Melbourne assembly

Clergy and lay representatives of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand met on Saturday at the diocesan centre in Melbourne—at the Life-giving Spring Monastery—to review the diocese’s activity. The meeting was preceded by a Te Deum service marking the anniversary of the Union of the Romanian Principalities. The Diocesan Assembly was chaired…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop baptises Norwegian convert and newborn in Arctic Norway

Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe celebrated the Mystery of Holy Baptism on Sunday for a 22-year-old Norwegian man and his newborn daughter. The service took place at the Romanian Orthodox church on the island of Skjervøya, in northern Norway. The church is dedicated to Saints Leontius of Rădăuți, Jacob of Putna, and Pachomius of Gledin.…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Nectarie joins patronal feast of Limerick parish in Ireland

His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland joined the faithful of the Romanian Parish of Limerick, Ireland, for the community’s patronal feast on Sunday. The occasion also marked Bishop Nectarie’s first pastoral and liturgical visit to this parish. The festive day marked not only the meeting of the local community with its bishop but…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church in South Carolina consecrated after nine-year effort

After nine years of sustained efforts, Romanians in South Carolina took part on Sunday in the consecration of the Church of St Gregory the Theologian in Easley, the only Romanian parish in this U.S. state. The consecration service was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas, together with…

Jan 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop in Italy urges Theology students to focus on knowing God, not on diplomas

“The purpose of my life is to know the Lord,” Bishop Siluan of Italy told students at the Rome Extension of the “Patriarch Justinian” Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest. Earlier this week, the hierarch held a spiritual discussion with them. His Grace stressed that the meaning of life cannot be reduced to diplomas and…

Jan 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ignatie urges gratitude at Leeds parish patronal feast

Bishop Ignatie of Huși celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at “Saint Macarius the Great” Parish in Leeds, England, on the occasion of its patronal feast. The hierarch underlined that the duty of anyone who receives a blessing is to be grateful and thankful. A large number of faithful attended the parish celebration, alongside Nicoleta…

Jan 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Bishop in Spain offers condolences after Cordoba train crash

His Grace Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal issued a message of condolence on Monday for the victims of the railway accident in the province of Córdoba, in southern Spain. “We convey our compassion to the bereaved families, whom we stand beside, praying to our Lord Jesus Christ to grant rest in peace to those…

Jan 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Bishop marks one year in office as Church life expands in Ireland

His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland marked on Sunday one year since his enthronement as head of the diocese, an occasion that highlighted the expansion of Romanian Orthodox church life in Ireland. The Bishop of Ireland and Iceland celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Parish of “Saint Columba and the Holy Great Martyr…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania has EU’s largest diaspora as millions seek work abroad, Church becomes anchor for communities

Romania is the European Union country with the largest number of citizens living outside its borders. More than 3 million Romanians reside legally in EU member states, according to Eurostat data. The real number is higher, however, given that not all Romanians in the diaspora appear in official statistics, especially those who have acquired citizenship…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif offers condolences, prays for Swiss fire victims in hospitals

Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe on Friday conveyed condolences to the families of victims of the deadly fire at the Crans-Montana mountain resort in Switzerland, which broke out on New Year’s Eve and claimed dozens of lives. Swiss authorities have said the blaze killed at least 40 people and left 119…

Jan 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu