International

Ontario Orthodox Christians celebrate first official Orthodox Christian Week after provincial recognition

Canadians in the province of Ontario celebrated Orthodox Christian Week for the first time following its official recognition by the regional legislature. The inaugural reception took place on Bright Tuesday at the Ontario Parliament building, Queen’s Park. Orthodox Christian Week will now be observed annually during Bright Week, which begins with Orthodox Easter, celebrated according…

Apr 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Pascha 2025: The Holy Fire received in Jerusalem bringing peace, hope, and sacred joy

The Holy Fire was received at the Tomb of the Lord’s Resurrection in Jerusalem on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 2:35 p.m. The miracle, a sign of divine love, occurred this year soon after the special prayer of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, offered during the Vespers of the Resurrection. Sometimes the…

Apr 19, 2025Ștefana Totorcea

Polish Orthodox Church adds 16 newly canonized Romanian Saints to its liturgical calendar

The sixteen newly canonized saints proclaimed in the context of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate will also be included in the liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church of Poland. The decision was approved by the Holy Synod of the Polish Church during its most recent working session, held on March 18 in Warsaw. During…

Apr 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

A new era begins for the Church of Albania: Archbishop John enthroned in Tirana

The new Archbishop of Albania, His Beatitude John, was enthroned on Saturday at the “Resurrection of the Lord” Cathedral in Tirana, during a ceremony attended by members of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania and representatives of other autocephalous Churches. Commitment to Sacrificial Ministry In his enthronement address, His Beatitude Archbishop John…

Mar 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint-Serge Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris marks Centennial with international events

The “Saint-Serge” Institute in Paris, one of the world’s most important centers for Orthodox theological research, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The centennial celebration program will begin on May 3 with a conference dedicated to the institution’s history. Later, on September 20, an academic day will be held, along with the celebration of…

Mar 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Joan of Korçë elected new Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania has elected Metropolitan Joan (Pelushi) of Korçë as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. The election process took place on Sunday in Tirana following the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Joan is regarded as the spiritual son of the late Archbishop Anastasios and is expected…

Mar 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel sends a congratulatory message on the election of the new Archbishop of Albania

On Sunday, Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë was unanimously elected the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. On this occasion, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a congratulatory message. The Patriarch of Romania wished him many blessed years in the service of the Orthodox…

Mar 16, 2025Sorin Ioniţe

Orthodox hierarchs unite for pan-Orthodox Vespers in Chicago

On the eve of the first Sunday of Lent, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Chicago became a beacon of living faith and Orthodox unity. Faithful from across the metropolitan area, along with their clergy and hierarchs, gathered to venerate the holy icons and participate in a Pan-Orthodox Vespers service…

Mar 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox delegation meets Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II in Cairo

A delegation of Romanian Orthodox hierarchs, priests, and pilgrims traveling through Egypt was received at the patriarchal residence in Cairo by Patriarch Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The delegation included Bishops Nicodim of Severin and Strehaia, Andrei of Covasna and Harghita, Nestor of Deva and Hunedoara, and assistant Bishop Gherontie of Hunedoara. Pilgrimage…

Mar 10, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox bishops in Germany issue pastoral letter on the meaning of Great Lent

Orthodox bishops in Germany have addressed the faithful through a pastoral letter, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Great Lent: “Our world is marked by wars, crises, and injustices. Many people experience persecution, violence, and fear. During this time, we, as Christians, are called not only to pray for peace but also to act actively in…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew about the Great Lent: Blessed period of spiritual vigilance and journey with the Lord

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a catechetical homily for the beginning of the Great Lent, which His Sanctity said was a “blessed period of fasting and repentance, of spiritual vigilance and journey with the Lord, as He comes to His voluntary passion, in order to reach the veneration of His splendid Resurrection”. The Ecumenical Patriarch reminded…

Mar 3, 2025Ștefana Totorcea