Three hundred and sixty-eight years have passed since the consecration of the historic Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Bucharest. Construction of the Patriarchal Cathedral began in the mid-17th century at the initiative of Prince Constantin Șerban Basarab and his wife, Lady Bălașa, as an offering of thanksgiving to God for the restoration…
The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is marking one year since the enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with a liturgical programme at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of St George the Great Martyr. The events will begin on Friday at 6:00 p.m. with the service of…
The Statute and Regulations Commission of the Holy Synod met on Thursday at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest. Patriarch Daniel of Romania emphasised the importance and necessity of the commission’s work. The meeting was convened to examine and submit to the Holy Synod three draft regulations: the Regulation of the Canonical Disciplinary Authorities and Ecclesiastical…
Archimandrite Ioan Meiu, Representative of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the Holy Places and Superior of the Romanian Establishments in Jerusalem, Jericho and Jordan, met on Thursday with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. On this occasion, the Representative of the Romanian Patriarchate presented the Patriarch of Jerusalem with the “Faith and Communion” Order, awarded by…
The Presidential Administration of Romania hosted a conference on Thursday, delivered by Fr Sorin Șelaru, Director of the Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate to the European Union. The event formed part of a broader series of initiatives organised to mark Europe Day. Entitled “The Dialogue of the European Union with Churches and Religious Communities in…
The Romanian Orthodox Women of America established its future missionary priorities and objectives during the AROLA Congress, held from 1–3 May at Mono Monastery. The event began on Friday, May 1, with the official opening, followed by the supplicatory canon to the Mother of God. The following day commenced with Matins and the Divine Liturgy,…
An exhibition titled “Romania – A Leading European Cultural and Religious Destination,” dedicated to Europe Day, opened on Thursday at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest. For the first time, the Basilica News Agency displayed photographs at an event organised by the presidential administration. The exhibition was organised on the occasion of Europe Day in partnership with…
His Eminence Archbishop Irineu of Alba Iulia said on Monday that “the child is an epiphany of the divine gift, not a biological accident,” during the International Symposium on Science, Theology and Art (ISSTA), dedicated to reflection on family and Christian identity in a changing world. The event, held under the theme “Parenting, gender and…
Saint Irodion was commemorated on Sunday at Lainici Monastery, on the Jiu Valley, Romania, which he led as abbot for 41 years. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia, together with Archbishop Varsanufie of Râmnic, and Bishops Nicodim of Severin and Strehaia, Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, Sebastian of Slatina and Romanați, and…
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania on Monday delivered a message marking the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Mavra of Ceahlău, presenting the 17th–18th century ascetic as a model of unceasing prayer and humility for contemporary believers. In his address, the Patriarch highlighted the saint’s role in the early development of hesychast spirituality…
The 30th Eparchial Assembly of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Germany, Austria and Luxembourg took place last Friday, May 1, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Nuremberg. Administrative and pastoral proceedings began with a Te Deum service celebrated by His Grace Sofian of Brașov, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese. His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim Joantă of Germany,…
His Eminence Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube joined people with disabilities in prayer on Sunday at the Archdiocesan Cathedral in Galați. The Archbishop emphasised the importance of solidarity, inspired by the Gospel of the Healing of the Paralysed Man at Bethesda: “Being constantly people among people, so that no one today may complain of…
His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia issued a message on Monday marking 101 years since the Archdiocese of Chișinău was elevated to the rank of Metropolis through legislative acts confirmed by Royal Decree. “This anniversary recalls the foundation of the sacrificial altar in Bessarabia, built upon the labour, patience and fidelity to truth of our…
Saint Irene the Great Martyr is being celebrated for the first time on Tuesday as the patron saint of Santorini. The decision followed a request by the Metropolis of Thera, Amorgos and Nisioi and was approved by the Municipal Council of Thera. Presidential Decree no. 81/2025 establishes 5 May as an official local holiday in…
Tuesday marks 20 years since the repose of Mother Benedicta — academician Zoe Dumitrescu-Bușulenga — who, during the communist period, urged her students to read the Bible and, after its fall, rose to become Vice-President of the Romanian Academy before choosing the path of monastic life. She was born on 20 August 1920 in Bucharest…
Six centuries ago, on 5 May 1426, Saint Ephraim the New surrendered his soul after enduring prolonged and brutal torture for the Orthodox faith. Saint Ephraim was born in Greece on 14 September 1384 and was left fatherless at a young age. At the age of 14, he entered monastic life at the Monastery of…
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania underlined on Sunday that “Jesus Christ teaches us that at all times we must do good, showing merciful love and offering help to those who suffer, the sick and the lonely.” The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church interpreted the Gospel passage of the healing of the paralysed man…
Sunday marked 130 years since the birth of Queen Helen of Romania, posthumously honoured with the title of Righteous Among the Nations for saving the lives of thousands of Jews and, indirectly, preventing the deportation of tens of thousands more through her interventions with Ion Antonescu. Alongside this courageous involvement in public affairs, she fulfilled…
The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada marks this year a decade since its establishment, with a series of religious and cultural events scheduled for 8–10 May. The celebrations will take place at the Cathedral of Saint George the Great Martyr and Saints Epictetus and Astion in Saint-Hubert, Canada. Anniversary Programme The programme will open on…
On Thursday, 30 April 2026, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed His Eminence Emmanuel of Chalcedon at the Patriarchal Residence. He was accompanied by Archimandrite Aetios Nikiforos, the Grand Ecclesiarch and Director of the Patriarchal Office. Patriarch Daniel welcomed the guests to the Romanian Patriarchate and highlighted the longstanding relations of friendship between the…