Metropolitan Irineu

Local proclamation of Saint Matrona of Hurezi’s canonisation held at Hurezi Monastery

“She truly passed through great struggles and ascetic labours,” said Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia on Tuesday, May 5, at the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Matrona of Hurezi. His Eminence highlighted the saint’s life of asceticism and total dedication, underlining that she was pleasing to God through her entire way of life. “Saint…

May 12, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint Antonina of Tismana uncovered in solemn rite at historic monastery

The relics of Saint Antonina of Tismana were uncovered on Monday during a solemn rite at Tismana Monastery, with Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia saying the newly canonised saint “lived a truly holy and spiritual life, preserving her silence and purity.” His Eminence underscored the significance of the moment: “With God’s help, we are fulfilling the…

Apr 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Callinicus of Cernica hailed as witness to Resurrection at monastery in southern Romania

“Saint Callinicus is also a witness of the Resurrection. He passed to the Lord on the very day of Easter; therefore, he is a witness to the unending light of the Kingdom of God,” Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia said at Frăsinei Monastery in Vâlcea County, which honoured the saint as its founder. “Saint Callinicus of…

Apr 16, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Oltenia metropolitan says ‘all creation is renewed’ at Agape Vespers in Craiova

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia officiated the Paschal Agape Vespers, also known as the “Second Resurrection,” on Easter Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Craiova, saying that “all creation is renewed” on this day. In his sermon, the metropolitan explained why the Resurrection of the Lord is regarded as the “Feast of feasts.” “The Resurrection of…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Youth Meeting in Oltenia draws 450 participants, hosted by Metropolitan Irineu and Bishop Macarie

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia and Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe met last week with the 450 participants of this year’s Orthodox Youth Meeting in Oltenia. On Friday, following the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the “Madona Dudu” Church in Craiova by His Grace Bishop Macarie, a Te Deum service was also officiated in the presence of…

May 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Media meeting in the Metropolis of Oltenia: Combating fake news and enhancing church communication

Last week, His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia chaired a meeting with media representatives from the Metropolis of Oltenia. The discussions focused on adopting modern communication tools and combating the spreading of fake news. Emphasis on Responsibility in Communication His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu highlighted the importance of responsibility in disseminating information and the media’s role…

Dec 16, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia highlights sacred calling of monasticism at annual synaxis

In a spiritual epistle sent on the occasion of the Monastic Synaxis held on Monday in the Archdiocese of Craiova, Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia observed that “the mystery of monasticism is the most sacred calling that God has given to people.” “Therefore, whoever wishes to follow Christ the Saviour must leave worldly life and open…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Oltenia Metropolitan’s call to educators, parents, and students at the start of new school year

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia delivered a message at the beginning of the new school year, stating that the Church and School “unite in one heart, aiming to educate and train good Christians and future specialists by cultivating the authentic traditional values of our people.” The hierarch’s message is structured in three parts and explicitly appeals…

Sep 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

‘Profess faith in deeds!’: Metropolitan Irineu’s message to the young people at ITO 2019

‘Profess your faith in deeds,’ Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia said when he addressed the over four thousand young Christians who gathered in Craiova for the annual Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO 2019). The Metropolitan offered Jesus Christ as an example of humility, noting that ‘when He came to the world, He did not place Himself…

Sep 9, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Thousands of believers present at Bistriţa Monastery on the Feast of Pious Saint Gregory the Decapolite

Thousands of believers participated Sunday, 20 November 2016, in the Divine Liturgy celebrated at Bistrița Monastery, Vâlcea County, on the Feast of Pious Saint Gregory the Decapolite, Radio Trinitas reports. His Eminence Irineu, Metropolitan of Oltenia, presided over the Divine Liturgy. The following Romanian hierarchs concelebrated: His Eminence Teodosie, Archbishop of Tomis; His Eminence Varsanufie,…

Nov 25, 2016Aurelian Iftimiu