“Neither the Herods nor the Pilates of this world can absolutely change the course of human history. For the true destiny of the world is not written in the palaces of power, but in people’s hearts,” conveyed His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe in his Christmas encyclical. “In the depths of each heart lies…
The Christmas Pastoral Letter of His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, briefly presents the life of eight of the sixteen newly canonized Romanian Saints – those His Eminence knew. “Let us give glory to the good God who has raised so many saints from our people who pray for us, interceding…
Today, man sees even the atom core and a part of the boundless outer space, but not all see God, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat stressed in this year’s Christmas pastoral letter. For over two millennia, the Church has been addressing all people, inviting them to fill their hearts with the love of Christ.…
On Christmas Eve, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the servants and chanters of the Patriarchal Cathedral at the Patriarchal Residence, who had announced the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. On this occasion, His Beatitude explained that the Saviour Christ heals and forgives sins through humble obedience. The Humility of Divine Omnipotence “This feast of the…
His Grace Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova officiated a memorial service at the Patriarchal Cathedral on Sunday to commemorate the heroes of the December 1989 Revolution. “Between 1948 and 1989, official media no longer broadcast carols, nor was there any talk of God. The totalitarian regime established in 1948 banned the broadcasting of carols, church…
In his Christmas pastoral letter, Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas has urged the faithful not to fear crises, disturbances, and wars but to lift their hearts and place all their hope in God’s help. According to the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas, the joy of the announcement of the miracle in Bethlehem, of the…
In his annual Christmas video message, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized the spirit of “humble and generous love, peace, and joy” that accompanies the celebration of Christ’s Nativity. Patriarch Daniel highlighted the biblical narrative where angels announced the birth of Jesus with the proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill…
In his Christmas encyclical, His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși emphasized that the commandment to love one’s enemies is the ultimate test of genuine communion with God. His message highlighted the lack of love in today’s society and the transformative power of Christ’s love. A World Lacking Love At the start of his pastoral letter,…
Observing the accelerated increase in recent years of people affected by both classic diseases and multiple addictions, the Romanian Orthodox Church dedicated the year now concluding to the pastoral care and assistance of the sick. The declaration of the “Solemn Year of Pastoral Care and Assistance of the Sick” and the “Commemorative Year of all…
Archaeologists in Frankfurt unearthed an object dating from 230-270 AD, approximately 50 years older than the first known Christian artifacts in the region. Archaeologists say this Christian evidence was found during excavations of a Roman grave in Germany from the 3rd century. A Discovery That Could Change History In Frankfurt, an amulet approximately 1,800 years…
The Journal of Joy, the seminal work by Father Nicolae Steinhardt, has been released in a new English edition by St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press in New York. The translation was done by Paul Boboc, with revisions by Peter Andronache. Contributors to the revisions and explanatory notes include Bogdan G. Bucur, Nicolae Drăgușin, Brenda Mikitish, and…
Children from the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Valletta held a carol concert on Tuesday at the Russian Chapel of the San Anton Presidential Palace in Malta in the presence of the President of Malta and her husband, Dr Anthony Spiteri Debono. “Although we come from different countries and cultures, we preserve and respect the same…
A unique portrait of Constantine XI Paleologos, the last Byzantine emperor, was recently discovered in the Church of the Monastery of the Holy Archangels in the Aegion region of Greece. According to archaeologists, the painting was created during the Byzantine emperor’s lifetime. The Greek Ministry of Culture announced that archaeologist Anastasia Koumousi uncovered the portrait…
His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a message at the opening of the meeting of the Economic-Financial Sector leaders from the dioceses across the country and the Patriarchal Administration, which took place at the Holy Cross Social-Pastoral Center at Caraiman Monastery from December 17 to 18, 2024. “Consultation at the level of parishes, dioceses, and the…
Next year marks 175 years since the birth of poet Mihai Eminescu. At the initiative of the Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, 2025 has been declared “Eminescu Year.” The leadership of the two academies decided to propose a series of cultural events and activities for 2025 to emphasize the significance of…
In his 2024 Christmas Pastoral Letter, Bishop Ambrozie of Giurgiu calls for a return to authentic Christian values and compassion, urging the faithful to cut through the overwhelming noise of media and ideologies. Highlighting the joys and sufferings that shape the Christian journey, he emphasizes the Church’s mission to serve others and uphold the teachings…
On Wednesday evening, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the first carolers of the year at the Patriarchal Residence. On this occasion, His Beatitude told the carolers that they are “heralds of God’s merciful love.” Four groups performed carols: The group from “Ion I. C. Brătianu” Secondary School in Bucharest, The “Saint Kyriake” Byzantine Choir from…
Archbishop Elia of Finland was enthroned last Sunday at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Helsinki during a historic ceremony attended by over 4,500 people. More than 500 were physically present, while approximately 4,000 joined online via live streaming. The event marked a significant milestone for the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland.…
Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens conveyed a heartfelt Christmas message for 2024, emphasizing the significance of peace, solidarity, and spiritual life in the face of modern challenges. Drawing inspiration from the angelic hymn at the Nativity of the Lord—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”—the Archbishop highlighted that Christ’s Nativity marks the…
Thirty-two years ago, on December 19, 1992, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially acknowledged the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. This autonomous metropolis, based in Chișinău, became integral to the Romanian Orthodox Church. The decision to reactivate the Metropolis of Bessarabia was made by clergy and faithful gathered at the Archdiocesan…