Dioceses

Local Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia charts path for 2025

The Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened Thursday for a working session chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chişinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. Joining him were Bishop Antonie of Bălți and Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, as the Synod delved into key matters concerning the spiritual, pastoral,…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Brothers of Christ: Metropolitan Ioan celebrates name day with homeless shelter beneficiaries in Timișoara

Last week, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat marked his name day by sharing lunch with the beneficiaries of the Emergency Social Centre for Homeless People at Pădurea Verde in Timișoara, whom he called “brothers of Christ.” The metropolitan brought dozens of containers of warm food and dined alongside the shelter residents. “Do you see…

Jan 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia’s Christmas Message to the Faithful

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia delivered a video message to the faithful in the Republic of Moldova, who celebrate the Nativity of the Lord according to the unrevised calendar. “The Nativity of the Infant Christ reminds us that God came into the world to dispel the darkness of sin and guide us on the…

Jan 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Ioachim welcomes New Year: Embrace silence, live the present, be aware of God’s presence!

On New Year’s Eve, when joy often expresses itself in noisy celebrations, the Roman Archdiocesan Cathedral emphasized the importance of silence. “It is crucial to embrace silence and live in the present, fully aware of God’s presence in our lives,” said Archbishop Ioachim. “God is an eternal present. When we enter the moment suspended between…

Jan 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru urges kindness, aid, and prayer for the needy in his Christmas encyclical

“Let us offer those in need a kind word, material aid, or a prayer, fulfilling the words of the Savior: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me,’” urged Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia in his pastoral letter for the celebration of the Nativity of…

Jan 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

“Our participation in New Year’s celebrations should reflect eternal, not temporary values,” says Archbishop of Suceava

At the start of 2025, Archbishop Calinic of Suceava and Rădăuți emphasized a spiritual perspective on New Year’s celebrations, stating, “Our participation in New Year’s Eve should follow different coordinates and expectations than the temporary ones.” These guiding principles, he noted, are provided by Saint Paul: “Rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be…

Jan 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop of Southern Bessarabia’s Christmas pastoral letter: A call to compassion and unity

In his pastoral letter for Christmas, which is celebrated in the Metropolis of Bessarabia on January 7 according to the unrevised Julian calendar, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia urged believers to embody God’s compassionate love for those in suffering. “Let us become the hands of God’s merciful love for our neighbors in distress, and like…

Jan 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

First Celebration of Saint Gerasimus of Tismana: He overcame sins and passions through holiness

Recently canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Venerable Martyr Gerasimus was celebrated for the first time last week at Tismana Monastery in Gorj County, alongside Saint Nicodemus, the founder of the monastic settlement. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia, who highlighted the similarities between…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Spiritual Support for Prisoners: Metropolis of Bessarabia and Romanian Embassy donate books to Chișinău Penitentiary

Last week, the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Romanian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova made a donation of spiritual and Romanian literature books to Penitentiary No. 9 – Pruncul in Chișinău. A congratulatory and blessing message from Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia was conveyed by Hieromonk Gurie Dumbrava, who expressed gratitude to the staff of…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Royal Family joins Christmas Liturgy in Săvârșin

Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown, and His Royal Highness Prince Radu, accompanied by Princesses Sofia and Maria, attended the Divine Liturgy on December 26 in Săvârșin Parish, Arad County. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Timotei of Arad. During his sermon, the Archbishop highlighted the celebration of the Synaxis…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia attends Inauguration of President Maia Sandu of Moldova

On Tuesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia attended the presidential inauguration of Her Excellency Maia Sandu as President of the Republic of Moldova. The event took place at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău during a joint session of the Parliament and the Constitutional Court, in the presence of over 500 guests. Metropolitan…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu