Spirituality

Factbox: When does the Orthodox Church celebrate Saint Joseph?

Fewer people know that the Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, the one who cared for the infant Jesus and protected the Virgin Mary, is commemorated not once but twice during the year by the Orthodox Church. The first commemoration takes place on the Sunday of the Forefathers according to the flesh of the Lord, starting with…

May 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Theology Professor: Digital platforms can be Jacob’s Ladder, but cannot replace the Eucharist

At the beginning of Great Lent, the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca shared a series of reflections on Christian mission in the digital space, written by Rev. Professor Cristian Sonea. “Digital platforms can be ‘Jacob’s Ladder,’ a means of guiding people toward a real encounter with Christ in the Church, but they cannot replace…

Mar 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

7 spiritual lessons on fasting from Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj

Recently canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, Saint Liviu Galaction of Cluj offers a profound understanding of Christian fasting, seen not merely as abstaining from certain foods but as a true spiritual struggle. The selected quotes reflect the essential dimensions of fasting and have been chosen symbolically, corresponding to the seven weeks of Great Lent.…

Mar 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

1700 years since the First Ecumenical Council: Theology scholar presents context of Nicaea

In an interview with Lumina Newspaper, Rev. Prof. Viorel Ioniță reflected on the historical and theological context of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which marks its 1700th anniversary this year. Father Ioniță, an honorary patriarchal counselor and experienced professor of theology, discussed the reasons for convening the Council, the preserved documents, its impact on…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

When does Great Lent begin in 2025?

In less than a month, Orthodox Christians will begin Great Lent, the most significant and strictest fasting period of the year, leading up to Holy Pascha. Sunday, February 9, marks the start of the Triodion period, which includes a three-week liturgical preparation ahead of Lent. The first day of Great Lent 2025 falls on Monday,…

Feb 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

11 holy healers celebrated in December

With these 11 saints celebrated in December, we conclude a series of articles dedicated to the 2024 Commemorative Year. These articles have introduced 136 holy healers—both well-known and lesser-known—honoured by the Church annually. St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia – December 2 Saint Porphyrios was born in 1906 in a village on the island of Evia, Greece.…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

9 quotes on illness, death and enduring hardships from “The Grandfather of Bukovina”, Bishop Gherasim of Putna

Auxiliary Bishop Gherasim of Putna, known as the “Grandfather of Bukovina,” is remembered as one of the most spiritually enlightened fathers of the 20th century. The former abbot of Putna Monastery is frequently described as a symbol of simplicity and humility, a man who “healed through his smile.” The bishop passed away on the night…

Dec 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Understanding healing through the Mystery of Holy Unction: Insights from Father Nicolae Dima

In a YouTube video, Father Nicolae Dima explained the type of healing one can seek through the Mystery of Holy Unction, emphasizing its spiritual depth rather than a promise of miraculous physical cures. A Ritual of Renewal Father Dima recounted his personal experience of performing the Holy Unction in a hospital room where his daughter…

Nov 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Medicine and Monasticism: Complementary vocations for Abbess Justina Bujor of Paltin Monastery

Stavrophore Justina Bujor, the abbess of Paltin-Petru Vodă Monastery, shared in an interview with Doxologia.ro how medicine and monasticism intertwined in her life as complementary vocations. “On one hand, it’s challenging, but on the other, they truly complement each other,” said the abbess about her dual roles as a monastery leader and a physician. “I…

Nov 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Elder Parthenios warns mobile phones and internet pose major spiritual risks to monastic focus and prayer

Elder Parthenios Agiopavlitis, the abbot of the Athonite Monastery of Saint Paul, recently raised concerns over the dangers that mobile phones and the internet pose to monastic life. Reflecting on nearly 50 years as abbot, Elder Parthenios recounted incidents in which monks, who had left the world for a life devoted to God, fell prey…

Nov 6, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy healers celebrated in November (I)

November brings our attention to 16 saints to whom believers can turn for physical and spiritual healing and for examples of how to navigate the challenges of modern society. This article provides a brief overview of the lives of 8 saints from the first part of November, noteworthy because they faced the trials of the…

Nov 4, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu