Diaspora

The world’s destiny is written in hearts, not palaces of power: Bishop Macarie’s Christmas Message

“Neither the Herods nor the Pilates of this world can absolutely change the course of human history. For the true destiny of the world is not written in the palaces of power, but in people’s hearts,” conveyed His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe in his Christmas encyclical. “In the depths of each heart lies…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Serafim of Germany uses his Christmas message to glorify God for revealing modern Romanian Saints

The Christmas Pastoral Letter of His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, briefly presents the life of eight of the sixteen newly canonized Romanian Saints – those His Eminence knew. “Let us give glory to the good God who has raised so many saints from our people who pray for us, interceding…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas encourages faithful to find strength amid crises and wars this Christmas

In his Christmas pastoral letter, Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas has urged the faithful not to fear crises, disturbances, and wars but to lift their hearts and place all their hope in God’s help. According to the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas, the joy of the announcement of the miracle in Bethlehem, of the…

Dec 21, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian children from Valletta perform Christmas carols at San Anton Presidential Palace in Malta

Children from the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Valletta held a carol concert on Tuesday at the Russian Chapel of the San Anton Presidential Palace in Malta in the presence of the President of Malta and her husband, Dr Anthony Spiteri Debono. “Although we come from different countries and cultures, we preserve and respect the same…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

New online presence for the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The newly established Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is now active online, having recently launched an official website alongside dedicated pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. The Archdiocese’s presence on social media is a crucial opportunity to connect with believers, particularly considering the circumstances of Romanians in the diaspora and their need…

Dec 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

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