International

Archbishop Elia of Finland enthroned in historic ceremony in Helsinki

Archbishop Elia of Finland was enthroned last Sunday at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Helsinki during a historic ceremony attended by over 4,500 people. More than 500 were physically present, while approximately 4,000 joined online via live streaming. The event marked a significant milestone for the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland.…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens: Christmas Message 2024 – “True peace flows from the cave in Bethlehem”

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens conveyed a heartfelt Christmas message for 2024, emphasizing the significance of peace, solidarity, and spiritual life in the face of modern challenges. Drawing inspiration from the angelic hymn at the Nativity of the Lord—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”—the Archbishop highlighted that Christ’s Nativity marks the…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil celebrates name day with warm wishes from religious and state leaders

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria celebrated his first name day as Patriarch on Wednesday, coinciding with the feast of St. Daniel the Stylite, following his election earlier this year. Hierarchs from the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church joined their Primate at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Kyriaki (Nedelya) in Sofia, where the…

Dec 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil attends Romanian National Day reception in Sofia

On Friday evening, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria attended a reception organized by the Romanian Embassy in Sofia to mark Romania’s National Day. The event gathered over 400 attendees, including Bulgaria’s Ministers of Defense, Internal Affairs, Tourism, and Energy; Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs; members of Parliament; leaders of Bulgarian state institutions; and Father…

Dec 2, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

CROCEU meeting in Istanbul strengthens Orthodox Church dialogue with the European Union

The Committee of Representatives of Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU) held its annual meeting from November 20 to November 23 in Istanbul under the auspices of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople. The event commenced with religious services held in historic locations and included discussions on enhancing dialogue between the Orthodox…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Elia of Oulu elected Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland: A new chapter for the Orthodox Church of Finland

During Thursday’s working session of the Church Assembly of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland, Metropolitan Elia of Oulu was elected Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland. The meeting followed the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior at Valaam Monastery. Archbishop Leo, the current Primate of the Autonomous Orthodox…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Serbian Orthodox Bishop enthroned in London, joined by Romanian hierarchs

The new Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Great Britain and Ireland, His Grace Bishop Nektarije (Samardžić), was enthroned on Sunday at St. Sava Cathedral in London. Serbian Patriarch Porfirije presided over the ceremony, which also marked the formal establishment of the diocese, which is headquartered in London. Romanian Orthodox hierarchs attending the event included His Eminence…

Nov 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem marks 19th enthronement anniversary with celebrations and Romanian Patriarch’s message

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III celebrated the 19th anniversary of his enthronement as Patriarch of Jerusalem on Sunday. The occasion was marked by a thanksgiving service at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, followed by a festive gathering in the Throne Hall of the Patriarchal Palace. Archimandrite Teofil Anăstăsoaie, the superior of the Romanian Settlements…

Nov 26, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Centenary of Sofia’s St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: A celebration of inter-Orthodox unity

On Saturday, the 100th anniversary of the consecration of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia marked a moment of inter-Orthodox communion. Alongside Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, hierarchs from most local Orthodox Churches participated in the celebration of St. Alexander Nevsky. His Grace Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix represented the Romanian Orthodox Church at the event. “Times…

Nov 25, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Benelux Orthodox Bishops meet in Brussels: Romanian Patriarchate, Nicaea Council anniversaries highlighted

The 100th anniversary of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s elevation to the patriarchal rank was a key topic at the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in Benelux (CEOB), held Wednesday, November 6, at the Ambiorix Center in Brussels. Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium chaired the meeting, which included hierarchs from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Moscow Patriarchate, the…

Nov 11, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel congratulates Archbishop Anastasios of Albania on his 95th birthday

His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, addressed a message of congratulation to His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, on his 95th birthday.  The congratulatory message was sent on Monday by Patriarch Daniel, „on behalf of the members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the faithful of the…

Nov 4, 2024Alexandru Boboc