International

Orthodox Bishops in Canada discuss Church unity, societal challenges at Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Canadian Conference of Orthodox Bishops (CCOB) took place last week in Toronto at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Most Orthodox jurisdictions in the country were represented, including Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada, who attended on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Church. During…

Jun 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchal Choir Tronos performs at International Sacred Music Festival in Serbia

The Tronos Byzantine Choir of the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral represented the Romanian Orthodox Church at the “Musical Edict” International Festival of Sacred Music in Niš, Serbia. The event was held on the feast of Pentecost. Held under the patronage of the Serbian Patriarchate and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Niš, the…

Jun 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox–Lutheran Dialogue Commission holds 19th plenary session in Cyprus, focuses on synodality and primacy

The 19th plenary meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Lutheran World Federation took place from May 19 to 24 in the city of Larnaca, Cyprus. The theme of this year’s session was “Synodality and Primacy.” Representing the Romanian Patriarchate was Fr. Cosmin Daniel Pricop, Dean of…

Jun 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

European Church leaders convene in Cluj-Napoca to shape inter-Christian strategy through 2029

The city of Cluj-Napoca in northwestern Romania hosted the Executive Board meeting of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), a high-level event promoting European inter-Christian dialogue, from May 22 to 24. The meeting was chaired by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, who also serves as CEC President. The gathering had a…

Jun 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ioan Casian attends Ottawa event marking 110th anniversary of Armenian Genocide

The Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Canada took part in the commemoration of the holy martyrs who sacrificed their lives for faith and country during the Armenian Genocide last Friday. The Romanian hierarch attended the event at the invitation of Bishop Abgar Hovakimyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada. The event, marking the 110th anniversary…

May 19, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Bishop in Italy congratulates Pope Leo XIV, wishes fruitful apostolate

The Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Italy has sent a message of congratulations to the newly elected Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV, wishing him a fruitful apostolic ministry. “We pray that you may receive from God the strength of a lion and the courage of your predecessors,” said Bishop Siluan to the new Pope, referring…

May 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Coptic Patriarch Tawadros II visits Romanian Patriarchate, praises church ties and monastic heritage

His Beatitude Pope Tawadros II, Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria, visited the Patriarchal Palace and the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest on Wednesday. The Egyptian guest was received by Patriarch Daniel, who wished him a pleasant stay in Bucharest and at the nearby monasteries. Patriarch Tawadros II is visiting Romania as part of a pastoral visit to…

Apr 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Greek pilgrims visit Romanian Orthodox sites in Bucharest to strengthen ties between sister Churches

A group of Greek pilgrims, led by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida and Bishop Nicodemus of Skopelos, visited several religious sites in Bucharest on Monday. At the Patriarchal Palace, the pilgrims were welcomed by the Bucharest Archdiocese’s Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova. Following the palace tour, the two Greek hierarchs held talks with Assistant Bishop Timotei.…

Apr 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

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