In a pastoral message for the Dormition Fast, Archbishop Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reflected on the “mystical reversal” depicted in the icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which, he noted, does not portray her burial, but rather a mystical resurrection. A Season of Inner Sweetness The Romanian Orthodox Archbishop…
Pope Francis in 2019 and Pope John Paul II in 1999 reaffirmed a belief deeply rooted in Romanian tradition since the 15th century: that Romania is the “Garden of the Mother of God.” Few, however, know the origin of this title. It is based on a miraculous event that took place in Neamț County, at…
At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar delivered a pastoral message urging priests, monastics, and faithful to dedicate themselves to prayer, repentance, and active participation in church services, while recalling that Romania is traditionally known as the “Garden of the Mother of God.” In his message, Bishop Iustin described…
His Eminence Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj has urged the faithful to live the Dormition Fast not merely as a dietary restriction, but as a time for strengthening prayer, reconciling with God, and purifying the soul. “Let us fast not only from food, but also from evil,” the hierarch said, emphasising that true fasting combines bodily…
His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat has urged the faithful to use the next two weeks to visit and comfort those who are suffering – whether in hospitals, care homes, or at home – especially the lonely, marginalised, and elderly without support. At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan delivered a…
His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif, Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of Western and Southern Europe, celebrates his spiritual patron on Thursday, as the Church commemorates Saint Joseph of Arimathea, the nobleman who laid Christ’s body in the tomb. Metropolitan Iosif was born on February 19, 1966, in Vișeu de Jos, Maramureș County, Romania. He graduated from “Gheorghe Șincai”…
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…
It has been eighteen years since Patriarch Teoctist of Romania passed away on July 30, 2007, at the age of 92. Born Toader Arăpașu on February 7, 1915, in the village of Tocileni, Botoșani County, he was the tenth child of Dumitru and Marghioala Arăpașu, raised in a large and devout Orthodox family. From a young…
A century ago, on July 30, 1925, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued the synodal tomos officially recognising the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate. This recognition affirmed the decision made by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on February 4, 1925. Following canonical provisions, the decision of the Holy Synod was communicated…
On National Anthem Day, His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște, emphasised the spiritual and historical significance of Romania’s national anthem, describing it as a call to unity, solidarity, collaboration, and a deepening of the country’s Christian heritage. “Through its lyrics and melody, the national anthem invites us to unity and solidarity, to cooperation…
On Monday, during events marking Romanian Border Police Day, His Grace Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar conveyed a message of support and gratitude to those safeguarding Romania’s territory, values, and national security. “Dear border police officers, you are not merely guarding a geographical territory, but defending a space of identity, faith, and values inherited…
On Sunday, at Bogdănița Monastery in Vaslui County, His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși addressed what he called a growing phenomenon in today’s society — a culture of entitlement, which he referred to as “I-deserve-it-ism”, in stark contrast to the teachings of Christ. Reflecting on the Gospel reading for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Bishop…
The Dormition Fast begins this Friday and lasts for two weeks for Orthodox Christians observing the revised calendar. This year, the fast will also conclude on a Friday, which means it will be extended by one day, in accordance with the General Liturgics. “The fast is prolonged to include the feast day itself if it…
A bas-relief of Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu was unveiled last week on the Alley of Nations in the Bulgarian city of Sveti Vlas. The event was attended by Brândușa Predescu, Romania’s Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria; Ștefania Bercu-Martak, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Romania; Gheorghi Nakov, a member of Romania’s Parliament representing the Bulgarian…
The local proclamation of the canonisation of Saints Heraclius and Alexander of Bessarabia will take place on August 3 in Chișinău, the Metropolis of Bessarabia has announced. The solemn event will follow the hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated at the “Holy Apostles Peter and Paul” Church in the capital of the Republic of Moldova. The local…
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel blessed on Thursday the reliquary containing the relics of Saint Onuphrius of Sihăstria Voronei Monastery. The blessing service took place at the “Saint George” Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence, with Archimandrite Ghedeon Huțanașu, abbot of the monastic settlement in Botoșani County, also in attendance. His Beatitude recalled aspects of the saint’s…
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,…
A delegation from the Holy Land has visited the monastic cell of Saints Cleopas Ilie and Paisius Olaru at Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County, Romania. The delegation included the Very Rev. Archimandrite Constantinos Peramatzis, abbot of the Monastery of Saint George of Chozeva, and Protosyncellus Ioan Meiu, the Romanian Patriarchate’s representative to the Holy Places.…
His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine, sent a message on Sunday for the episcopal ordination of His Grace Assistant Bishop Teofil of Trotuș, who served for a decade as the representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in Jerusalem and the Holy Places. “This blessed appointment to the episcopal ministry is a testimony…
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…