Dioceses

Republic of Moldova marks 1946-47 Soviet famine victims as bishop urges unity and remembrance

The third Saturday of April is dedicated in the Republic of Moldova to commemorating the victims of the 1946–1947 famine, during which more than 200,000 people died. On this occasion, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia said the suffering of that time can be fully understood only in the light of Christ. He stressed that remembering…

Apr 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Callinicus of Cernica hailed as witness to Resurrection at monastery in southern Romania

“Saint Callinicus is also a witness of the Resurrection. He passed to the Lord on the very day of Easter; therefore, he is a witness to the unending light of the Kingdom of God,” Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia said at Frăsinei Monastery in Vâlcea County, which honoured the saint as its founder. “Saint Callinicus of…

Apr 16, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Faithful mark Saint Pachomius feast in native village, bishop calls for example to be followed

The Holy Hierarch Pachomius of Gledin was commemorated on Bright Tuesday, in his native village in Bistrița-Năsăud County. On this occasion, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the “Holy Trinity” Church by Bishop Samuel of Bistrița, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, together with Bishop Teofil of Trotuș, assistant bishop of…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian, Serbian Orthodox faithful hold joint Easter procession in Vrsac

Romanian Orthodox faithful in Vršac, Serbia, joined Serbian Orthodox believers in a traditional Easter night procession, highlighting inter-Orthodox unity. The evening began within the Romanian community at the Episcopal Cathedral “Ascension of the Lord,” where Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix officiated the ceremony of receiving the Holy Fire. Clergy from across the diocese concelebrated, alongside…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian metropolitan lays foundation stone for church honouring anti-communist heroes in Brașov

His Eminence Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania blessed the foundation stone on Bright Monday for the future “Ascension of the Lord” Church in Brașov, dedicated to the heroes of the 1987 workers’ uprising and the 1989 anti-communist revolution. The church will also be dedicated to the Holy Confessor-Priest Dumitru Stăniloae. The day began with the Divine…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Cahul chapel marks patronal feast with Paschal liturgy: ‘Be aware that Christ is with us’

The Diocesan Chapel, “Resurrection of the Lord,” in Cahul celebrated its patronal feast on Monday, the second day of Holy Pascha. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia. Referring to the Gospel according to Saint John, in which Christ grants the apostles the power to forgive sins, the bishop explained the…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Oltenia metropolitan says ‘all creation is renewed’ at Agape Vespers in Craiova

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia officiated the Paschal Agape Vespers, also known as the “Second Resurrection,” on Easter Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Craiova, saying that “all creation is renewed” on this day. In his sermon, the metropolitan explained why the Resurrection of the Lord is regarded as the “Feast of feasts.” “The Resurrection of…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox faithful gather in Chisinau for Resurrection service led by Metropolitan Petru

Numerous faithful gathered for the Feast of the Resurrection at the “Saint John Jacob the New Chozebite” Church in Chisinau, where the service was officiated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia. At midnight, the Holy Fire was distributed, followed by a procession around the church and the solemn proclamation of the Resurrection. During the service, the…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop urges hope amid global conflicts in Easter message: We must not lose hope! God is watching over us!

“As Christians, we must not lose hope! God is at work! God is watching over us!” said Bishop Iustin of Maramureș in his Easter pastoral message this year, referring to the numerous conflicts unfolding worldwide. In his message, the bishop spoke about the responsibility of world leaders to preserve peace and to serve the common…

Apr 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania bids farewell to football coach Mircea Lucescu at funeral in Bucharest

Former Romania national team coach Mircea Lucescu was laid to rest on Good Friday, with hundreds of mourners—family members, relatives, friends and admirers—attending the funeral in Bucharest. The funeral service took place at Saint Eleutherius the New Church in Bucharest and was officiated by His Grace Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova of the Archdiocese of…

Apr 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabia Metropolitan urges Christians to live for God and others in Easter pastoral letter

“A person who believes in Christ the Risen One no longer lives for himself, but for God and for his neighbour. He lives out his vocation as a witness to the light, a bearer of peace and a servant of truth,” Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia said in his pastoral letter for Holy Pascha. His Eminence…

Apr 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu