On Sunday, Patriarch Daniel of Romania described the Parable of the Prodigal Son as “a Gospel of forgiveness for the repentant sinner and a call to soften the unforgiving pious man”. Speaking at the Patriarchal Cathedral, His Beatitude emphasized that the Church has placed this parable on the second Sunday of the Triodion period as…
A delegation from the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ) visited the Holy Land last week for discussions with organizations working for peace and reconciliation. The delegation included: Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, Apostolic Armenian Bishop and President of ÖRKÖ, Bishop Manfred Scheuer, Catholic Bishop of Linz, Superintendent Thomas Hennefeld, Regional Reformed Church leader, Father Nicolae…
The Patriarch of Romania, the Metropolitan of Bessarabia and other Romanian hierarchs performed the ordination to the episcopate of the new assistant bishop of the Chișinău Archdiocese during a solemn liturgy held Sunday at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. Archimandrite Nectarie Clinic, the former abbot of Sihăstria Putnei Monastery in Suceva County, was elected by…
Non-formal educational activities for Romanian children in Glasgow have begun in a new parish school location, which was blessed last week by Archbishop-elect Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the patronal celebrations of the “Presentation of the Lord to the Temple” Parish. The event was attended by Andreea Ioana Berechet, Romania’s Consul General…
The Diocese of Dacia Felix signed a cooperation agreement on Thursday with the Serbian Municipality of Alibunar, which, according to the diocese, governs the localities with the largest number of Romanians in historic Banat. The agreement was signed at the Alibunar Town Hall by Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix and Mayor Zorana Bratic. During the…
Orthodox Christians in the United States have mobilised in impressive numbers at the most recent marches for life, demonstrating a growing commitment to the defence of human life starting from conception, according to RoLifeNews. Hundreds of Orthodox faithful have participated this year in the Marches for Life from Washington, DC, San Francisco and Austin. Hierarchs…
In 2024, the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate in Romania carried out a series of cultural, catechetical, and philanthropic activities, including traditional choral concerts, a symposium on Ukrainian saints in Romania, and increased catechetical programs for youth and adults. Cultural and Educational Activities The vicariate hosted several notable concerts, including: The 8th edition of the Passion Hymns…
The Very Rev. Archimandrite Nectarie Clinci from Sihăstria Putnei Monastery in Suceava will be ordained as Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, following his election by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Metropolis of Bessarabia has announced that the ordination will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Patriarchal…
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at Putna Monastery, delivering a sermon on the spiritual dangers of pride, inspired by the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. During his homily, Metropolitan Nicolae emphasized that even hermits are not exempt from the temptation of pride. “Those monks who…
An assembly of priests from the Onești Deanery conducted the Sacrament of Holy Unction on Monday at the chapel of the Târgu Ocna Prison Hospital, a site historically linked to the newly canonized Saint Gerasimus of Tismana, who was imprisoned there during the communist era. The service, presided over by Father Nicolae Zaharia, Dean of…
The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy concluded 2024 with an intensive pastoral effort, reflected in the remarkable number of religious services conducted across its 295 parishes. Over the year, the diocese recorded 4,750 baptisms, 167 conversions or re-conversions to Orthodoxy, 1,171 weddings, and 393 funerals. These figures underscore both the vibrancy of the Romanian Orthodox…
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…
On Monday, Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar visited Nicaea, the city where the First Ecumenical Council was held 1,700 years ago. The visit is part of an extensive pilgrimage from February 6 to 11, covering several monasteries and historic sites in Cappadocia and Asia Minor. Among the significant stops was the church where the…
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Romania, His Excellency Martin Košatka, at the Patriarchal Residence on Wednesday. During his visit, Ambassador Košatka toured the Patriarchal Residence Museum and the Hall of Romanian Saints. Following the meeting, the ambassador expressed his appreciation: “It was a great honor for me to be received…
Assistant Bishop Benedict of Bistrița delivered a presentation on digital spirituality on Friday at the National Colloquium “Church Press at the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate”, held in Bucharest from February 6 to 8. His paper, titled “Digital Spirituality – Concept and Forms of Expression: A General Overview”, explored both the opportunities and risks associated…
Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar, leading a group of 52 pilgrims, visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at his residence in Constantinople on Saturday. His Holiness welcomed the Romanian pilgrims and highlighted the strong ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church. He also spoke about the modern Christian’s responsibilities in today’s globalized…
Greek Ambassador to Romania, Her Excellency Lili-Evangelia Grammatika, accompanied by Consul Euthymios Fokas and Greece’s Honorary Consul in Constanța, Theodoros Skandalides, visited Tulcea County on Friday, February 7. During the visit, Ambassador Grammatika met with His Grace Bishop Visarion, who presented her with an icon depicting the Virgin Mary. The Greek diplomat also held discussions…
In his sermon on the first Sunday of the Triodion period, Patriarch Daniel emphasized that believers are entering a time of intensified humble prayer, increased reading or listening to the Holy Scriptures, more frequent confession and Eucharistic communion, as well as greater almsgiving towards those in need. The Romanian Orthodox Patriarch explained the significance and…
Last week’s photos illustrate emotion, solemnity and deep spirituality at the event marking the Centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate, as well as other events in the Orthodox communities. Last week’s most-liked Instagram post: Vezi această postare pe Instagram O postare distribuită de Basilica.ro (@basilica.ro) Do you want to be featured in our weekly…
As the Romanian Patriarchate celebrates a century of existence, this year also marks an important milestone for Lumina Newspaper, the first and only daily Orthodox newspaper in the world. Established on February 7, 2005, as a visionary project of the Church’s mission, Lumina Newspaper has grown from a regional publication to a nationwide and global…