International

Romania feels like second home for Kenyan priest: “It really is a holy place with loving, friendly and welcoming people”

Priest Habil Lipesa Omukuba from Kenya says Romania has become his second home. In an interview for a local publication in Sibiu, Turnul Sfatului (Council Tower), the Kenyan priest confessed that he saw snow for the first time during his visit to Romania. He also learned to cook sarmale (cabbage rolls). He also talked about…

Feb 1, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

New abbot installed at Finland Valaam Monastery: Archim. Mikael speaks 10 foreign languages

Metropolitan Arseni of Kuopio and Karelia installed on Sunday the new abbot at Finland’s Valaam Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Archim. Mikael Nummela has studied Economics and Theology and speaks, in addition to Finnish, 10 other languages. The new Abbott, Archim. Mikael Nummela, was elected by the monastery synaxis on January 4, after…

Jan 28, 2022Ștefana Totorcea

In pictures: Helsinki Uspenski Cathedral hosts episcopal consecration for first time in over 50 years

The former abbot of Valaam Monastery, Archimandrite Sergei Rayapolvi, became the first bishop ordained at Helsinki’s Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral since 1969. The Divine Liturgy and the ordination were celebrated on Sunday, January 16, 2022, by Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland, Metropolitan Arseni of Kuopio and Karelia, and Metropolitan Elia of Oulu.…

Jan 26, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s Ambassador to Bulgaria meets with His Beatitude Patriarch Neophyte

Romania’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Brândușa Predescu, met on Tuesday with His Beatitude Patriarch Neophyte at the headquarters of the Orthodox Metropolis in Sofia, the Bulgarian Patriarchate announced. The meeting was also attended by Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Secretary of the Holy Synod, Bishop Polycarp of Belogradchik, Vicar of the Metropolis of Sofia, and Father Neluțu…

Jan 13, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian church to be built in Dubai: It will not have high towers, but it will be welcoming

Romanians in Dubai could have their own church, Patriarch Daniel said at the end of the Christmas Divine Liturgy. The church plan has been submitted to the authorities in the United Arab Emirates and involves a holy place adapted to the cultural context of this country: it will not be very tall but small and…

Jan 12, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate’s Order of St. John Jacob of Neamț handed over to Patriarch of Jerusalem

His Beatitude Daniel Patriarch of Romania awarded the Patriarch of Jerusalem the “St. John Jacob of Neamț, the New Chozebite” Order during a ceremony on December 22, 2021.  The Order was brought to Jerusalem by the representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the Holy Land, Archim. Teofil Anăstăsoaie. The Romanian Patriarchate’s order was bestowed…

Jan 12, 2022Ștefana Totorcea

OrthPhoto releases new photo album exploring European Orthodoxy

The best photographs submitted in the OrthPhoto Awards contest organised last summer were included in a new photo album published by the Publishing House of the Orthodox Metropolis of Warsaw. The album titled “Colours of Orthodoxy. Europe” presents 179 photographs by 109 authors from 18 countries, making it a journey through all of European Orthodoxy.…

Jan 3, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Restoration of Church of the Nativity nears completion

The restoration of the ancient stone church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is nearing completion, although there is still important work to be done. Due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project to restore this treasured church will take another year to complete. During a recent tour of the church before Christmas, Mazen…

Jan 3, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

France Orthodox Bishops pray for Orthodox unity, encourage affirmation of true faith

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of France (AEOF) resumed its regular meetings on December 14, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrios of France (Ecumenical Patriarchate). The bishops prayed for Orthodox unity and encouraged the affirmation of the true faith. After the introductory speech of Metropolitan Demetrios, the new chairman of the AEOF,…

Dec 25, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Father Ioan Sauca visits Patriarch of Antioch in Lebanon

Fr. Ioan Sauca, Acting General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), visited, on December 15, Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East at His Beatitude’s residence in Balamand, Lebanon. Patriarch John X is one of the WCC presidents. His Beatitude shared the situation of the people and churches from his Patriarchate.…

Dec 23, 2021Ștefana Totorcea

New Metropolitan of Aleppo enthroned 8 years after abduction of former hierarch

Patriarchal Vicar Ephraim (Maalouli) of Seleucia (Antiochian Patriarchate) was enthroned last Friday as the new Metropolitan of Aleppo in a ceremony presided by Patriarch John X of Antioch at Aleppo’s “Prophet Elijah” Cathedral. The new metropolitan honoured his mother at the end of the ceremony by offering her his archimandrite cross. Accompanied by the cheers…

Dec 16, 2021Ștefana Totorcea