Romanian Patriarchate

Antiochian delegation visits Romanian Patriarchate as Saint Sofian of Antim is locally canonized

A delegation of the Patriarchate of Antioch visited the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest on Monday, Sept. 15, where they were received by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, general secretary of the Holy Synod. The delegation included Metropolitan Silouan of Byblos and Botris from the Archdiocese of Mount Lebanon, together with Father Daniel Bedran, a…

Sep 20, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Vigil service for Saint Sofian of Antim. Bishop Varlaam: God has blessed us with a Saint from our times

On Monday evening, His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești officiated the all-night vigil for Saint Sofian the Confessor of Antim, ahead of the local proclamation of his canonisation. In his homily, Bishop Varlaam emphasised the joy of honouring “a saint from our own days,” known personally to many faithful in Bucharest and beyond.…

Sep 16, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

The Canonization of Saint Sofian, celebrated through the local proclamation at Antim Monastery | In pictures

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the local proclamation of the canonization of Saint Sofian the Confessor took place at Antim Monastery. Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu  

Sep 16, 2025Mircea Florescu

Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești urges students to seek spiritual growth at start of school year

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, where he spoke to the faithful about the Gospel of the rich young man, who, after his encounter with Christ, became His disciple. “It is no coincidence that today’s Gospel is read at the beginning of the…

Sep 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate delegation meets Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem

A delegation of the Romanian Patriarchate, led by His Grace Bishop Teofil of Trotuș, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău, was received on an official visit by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem on Tuesday. Bishop Teofil presented the accreditation letters of the new Superior of the Romanian mission in the…

Aug 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Fr Ioan Meiu officially installed as Romanian Patriarchate’s representative to the Holy Land

His Grace Bishop Teofil of Trotuș, Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău and former Representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Holy Land, installed Saturday the Very Rev. Protosyncellus Ioan Meiu as the new Superior of the Romanian Settlements in Jerusalem, Jericho and the Jordan, and his successor at the Representation of…

Aug 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Five key figures behind the founding of the Romanian Patriarchate

In 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church marks a century since one of the most significant milestones in its modern history: the elevation to the rank of Patriarchate. This centennial year offers not only a celebration of ecclesiastical achievement but also an opportunity to honour the spiritual, cultural, and national vision that shaped the Patriarchate’s foundation…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch awards highest Church honour to Patriarchal Cathedral Grand Ecclesiarch on 70th birthday

The Very Reverend Archimandrite Clement Haralam, Grand Ecclesiarch of the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday — a life devoted to Christ and to serving others through prayer and liturgical ministry. On this occasion, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel presented him with the Patriarchal Cross, the highest distinction of the Romanian Patriarchate,…

Jul 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch blesses reliquaries of Saints Paisius and Cleopas of Sihăstria

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel blessed on Wednesday the reliquaries designated for the holy relics of Saints Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopas (Ilie) of Sihăstria. The blessing service took place at the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest, in the presence of Archimandrite Arsenie Popa, abbot of Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County. The reliquaries were crafted from silver at…

Jul 23, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Pilgrimage to Saint John Chrysostom’s relic in Bucharest concludes after drawing 60,000 faithful

The pilgrimage to the honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom concluded on Wednesday, July 16, after more than 60,000 faithful from across Romania venerated the holy relic, which was brought to the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest between July 11 and 16. The event marked the summer feast of Saint Demetrius the New. Brought from Vatopedi…

Jul 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Vatopedi Abbot highlights knowledge of God as Church’s greatest gift during Saint Demetrius summer feast in Bucharest

“The greatest gift the Church offers believers is the knowledge of God,” emphasised Archimandrite Ephraim of Vatopedi in his sermon on Sunday at the outdoor altar of Bucharest’s Patriarchal Cathedral. Abbot Ephraim referenced the words of Jesus Christ on eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God,…

Jul 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu