Diaspora

Metropolitan Iosif urges UK youth to answer God’s call: “The Church is our response to His invitation”

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe spoke to the youth of Nepsis UK about God’s invitation in the Parable of the Great Banquet. “The Church is our response to God’s call,” His Eminence emphasized. The Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday at “Saint George” Parish in London-Holborn concluded the Nepsis UK Youth Congress,…

Dec 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Ontario passes law officially establishing Orthodox Christian Week

The Ontario regional legislature passed Bill 167 last week, officially designating Orthodox Christian Week. “The seven-day period each year, starting on Orthodox Easter Sunday, is proclaimed as Orthodox Christian Week,” states the Ontario Parliament’s website. MP Tom Rakocevic introduced the bill at the end of 2023 and acknowledges the profound spiritual significance of Orthodox Christian…

Dec 16, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanians hope to purchase historic church in Sweden: “A Christmas miracle,” Bishop says

The Romanian Orthodox community in Scandinavia is celebrating a historic moment as they intend to acquire their own church in Borås, Sweden. His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe described this goal as “the most beautiful and unique Christmas gift.” “With great joy, I announce that the contract has been signed to purchase a place…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archdeacon Mihail Bucă receives Metropolitan Cross during historic church consecration in San Antonio, Texas

At the beginning of December, Archdeacon Mihail Bucă, founder of the Tronos Byzantine Choir, visited the Romanian Orthodox Parish in San Antonio, Texas, where His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas awarded him the Metropolitan Cross. Archdeacon Bucă, accompanied by members of the Tronos Choir, participated in the consecration of the newly built church in…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Spanish Interfaith Dialogue Commission Opposes Repeal of Law Protecting Religious Sentiments

The Interfaith Dialogue Commission of Spain issued a statement on Tuesday expressing its disapproval of the proposed repeal of the law criminalizing offences against religious sentiments in Spain’s Penal Code. Among its members was His Grace Bishop Timotei, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal. Concerns Over Legal Reform Religious representatives’ concerns arose after…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Vienna subway workers blessed by Romanian priest on St Barbara’s day

Saint Barbara, the protectress of miners, is celebrated on December 4 not only by the Orthodox Church but also by other Christian denominations. Blessing Workers in Vienna’s Subway Tunnels In Austria, a strong tradition marks this day with blessings for miners and infrastructure tunnel workers to ensure their safety. For the first time, an Orthodox…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Parish in Melbourne celebrates patronal feast and Romania’s National Day

The “Saint Philothea of Argeș” Parish in Melbourne, Australia, celebrated its patronal feast early on Sunday, coinciding with Romania’s National Day. To mark the dual celebration, His Grace Bishop Mihail of Australia and New Zealand presided over the services within the parish community. After the Divine Liturgy, His Grace led a Te Deum service, expressing…

Dec 5, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archdeacon Mihail Bucă proposes bringing the Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Icon to Romania

Archdeacon Mihail Bucă, the Protopsaltis of the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, and several members of the Tronos Byzantine Choir celebrated the feast of Saint Andrew and Romania’s National Day in San Antonio, Texas, USA. During their visit, they witnessed the arrival of the Hawaiian Myrrh-Streaming Iveron Icon of the Mother of God at the Romanian parish…

Dec 4, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Canada’s Romanian Orthodox Diocese celebrates Saint Andrew, its Patron Saint

The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada conducted a series of events from November 28 to 30 in honour of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the diocese’s spiritual protector. “Saint Andrew the Apostle and the Holy Hierarch Andrew Șaguna are worthy examples, reminding us that nothing is impossible when we have strong faith in God and His…

Dec 3, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian MEP explains why diaspora churches received most Government funding

Romanian MEP Gheorghe Cârciu explained to journalist Val Vâlcu why Romanian parishes abroad received the majority of funds provided by the Department for Romanians Abroad, which he led in recent years. “The Church is the only entity that carries out all five types of eligible activities for funding: education, culture, spirituality, media, and civil society.…

Dec 2, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Gratitude is the fulfilment of history: Metropolitan Nicolae’s Message for Thanksgiving 2024

“The national Thanksgiving holiday is a welcome occasion to announce, ahead of time, together with the angels, glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill among men (Luke 2:14),” noted His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas in his Thanksgiving message. “Our reflection ought to be complete…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu