International

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

Patriarch of Bulgaria: Autocephaly is a measure of a local Church’s maturity

“Autocephaly is a measure of the maturity of a local Church in indissoluble communion with the other local Churches, members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church,” noted Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria last Saturday, as the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marked the 80th anniversary of its autocephaly recognition. His Beatitude emphasized that the world is…

Feb 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop meets Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during pilgrimage in Asia Minor

Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar, leading a group of 52 pilgrims, visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his residence in Constantinople on Saturday. His Holiness welcomed the Romanian pilgrims and highlighted the strong ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church. He also spoke about the modern Christian’s responsibilities in today’s globalized…

Feb 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Albania bids farewell to Archbishop Anastasios as Orthodox leaders gather in Tirana

The entire Orthodox world bid farewell on Thursday to Archbishop Anastasios, the man who revived the Church of Albania after years of suffering and persecution under communism. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the funeral service at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana. Joining the full synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church, the funeral was attended…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu