The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, meeting in Constantinople on August 30–31, the final two days of the church year, decided to canonise two Romanian elders of Mount Athos: hieroschemamonk Dionisie (Ignat) of Colciu and archimandrite Petroniu (Tănase) of Prodromos Skete. The feast day of Saint Dionysius of Vatopedi (the “St. George” Cell, where…
On the first day of the new church year, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Archbishop of Chișinău and Exarch of the Territories, celebrated 35 years since his episcopal ordination. Elected Bishop of Bălți, he received episcopal ordination on September 1, 1990, at the Cathedral in Chișinău. Extensive service and ministry Metropolitan Petru was born on October…
Albania has unveiled its first monumental statue of Jesus Christ, inaugurated recently at one of the most scenic points of the Albanian Alps, in the Nikaj-Mërtur Natural Park in the Tropojë region. The statue depicts Christ with outstretched arms, reminiscent of the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue in Rio de Janeiro, according to JOQ Albania.…
Romanian Patriarch Daniel met on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with Ambassador Paolo Zampolli, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships, during a visit to the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest. Patriarch Daniel welcomed Ambassador Zampolli to the Romanian Patriarchate and expressed appreciation for the fact that U.S. President Donald Trump is a protector and promoter…
Romanian Orthodox faithful in Japan, after acquiring a plot for Christian burials, have also commissioned the construction of a small wooden church in the Maramureș architectural style. Built in Romania, the church is now awaiting shipment to Japan, with fundraising underway to cover transport costs. “This is the wooden church that will serve the Orthodox…
His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Exarch of the Territories, marked the Republic of Moldova’s Independence Day on Wednesday with a message urging the faithful to protect freedom through faith, unity, and sacrifice. “On this national holiday, when we celebrate the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova, we give thanks to God…
The mosaic portrait of Saint Elijah Lăcătușu, a newly canonised Romanian Confessor Priest of the 20th century, that will be placed inside Romania’s National Cathedral, was created by the Saint’s great-grandniece, Andreea Daria Guran. “This gesture is at once a gift from today’s generation to that of yesterday, and a testimony that holiness is not…
Bishop Benedict of Sălaj officiated the re-consecration of the parish church in Boian, Șimleu Silvaniei Deanery, on Sunday, where he spoke about the transformative power of forgiveness. “Your enemy should be the first name you sincerely mention in prayer before God. God has His divine pedagogy,” the bishop said. He explained that it is difficult…
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…
Beginning Wednesday, August 27, only 60 days remain until the great consecration of the National Cathedral, scheduled for October 26, 2025, when Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will come to Bucharest for this unique event dedicated to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. While construction teams are finalising the last installation works—particularly the fire suppression and smoke…
The current ecological crisis is one of the most serious challenges and realities of the contemporary world, with effects visible both in the survival of plant and animal species and in the very existence of humanity. Today, the severe consequences of environmental pollution, the excessive and irresponsible use of new technological advancements, and climate change…
A joint statement from the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) marks the 2025 Season of Creation, inviting prayer and action for our common home, planet Earth. Their call is entitled “Peace with Creation” as Christians worldwide prepare to observe the Season of Creation, held from 1 September…
Researchers from the University of Haifa have discovered what they say is the world’s oldest nursing home, in the Byzantine (Roman) city of Hippos, the Times of Israel reported. Israeli archaeologists made the identification based on a mosaic inscribed with the words “Peace to the Elders,” uncovered on Monday, August 18, during excavations at Hippos…
A team of archaeologists has recently discovered a 30-centimetre-long stucco cross in the United Arab Emirates, dating back at least 1,300 years. The Christian symbol confirms that a group of houses unearthed decades ago was part of a monastery. The nine small courtyard dwellings were first discovered in 1992 on Sir Bani Yas Island, located…
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…
This year marks 25 years since the repose of Archimandrite Andrei Scrima, a leading figure of the Romanian Hesychast movement “The Burning Bush”. Biographical landmarks Father Andrei Scrima was born in 1925 in Gheorgheni, Harghita County. He studied philosophy, mathematics and theology in Bucharest. Between 1957 and 1959, he was a doctoral student in Benares,…
Bishop Ignatie of Huși celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Brașov’s Council Square. In his homily, he spoke about narcissism hidden behind a mentality built on unshakable certainties. “The more sinful such a mentality is, the harder it becomes to change a person’s…
Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church noted that “prayer, love for parents, homeland, and God know no borders,” in a message marking Romanian Migrants’ Sunday, observed on the first Sunday after the Dormition of the Theotokos. The patriarch expressed gratitude to the clergy and faithful in the diaspora, praising their steadfast love for Romania…
Most Romanian communities around Romania’s borders, as well as Orthodox faithful in other parts of the world, follow the unrevised calendar and are preparing for the Dormition Fast, which begins on Thursday, August 14. Popularly known as “Saint Mary’s Fast,” it is meant to be quite strict, as it culminates with the Dormition of the…
The Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Moldova, His Excellency Giuseppe Maria Perricone, paid a courtesy and introductory visit on Tuesday to the Metropolis of Bessarabia, where he was received by His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. According to the Metropolis of Bessarabia,…