monasticism

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

Medicine and Monasticism: Complementary vocations for Abbess Justina Bujor of Paltin Monastery

Stavrophore Justina Bujor, the abbess of Paltin-Petru Vodă Monastery, shared in an interview with Doxologia.ro how medicine and monasticism intertwined in her life as complementary vocations. “On one hand, it’s challenging, but on the other, they truly complement each other,” said the abbess about her dual roles as a monastery leader and a physician. “I…

Nov 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Representatives of different monastic traditions gather in Romania under the theme “Blessed are the peacemakers”

In the serene mountain setting of Sambata de Sus Monastery, near Sibiu, Romania, a significant ecumenical and inter-monastic gathering took place from July 3 to 9. Organized by the Orthodox Archdiocese of Sibiu, the event brought together young disciples from various nations and representatives of monastic communities from across Europe. The theme “Blessed are the…

Jul 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Father Dumitru Cobzaru offers interview about the current state of monasticism: Adaptation for balance

Radio Renașterea conducted an in-depth interview with the Very Reverend Archimandrite Dumitru Cobzaru, exarch of the monasteries of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj, regarding the present condition of monasticism in Romania. The Archimandrite emphasised that contemporary monasticism maintains its authenticity by updating itself while adhering to the principles established by the Holy Fathers…

Nov 17, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Egypt: Team led by Romanian archaeologist discover world’s oldest known monastery

A Franco-Norwegian team led by Romanian archaeologist Victor Ghica discovered the oldest archaeologically attested monastic site in the world. The site is 370 kilometers south-west of Cairo, Egypt, and it dates back to the 4th century. The discovery made at Tall Ğanūb Qaṣr al-‘Ağūz, in the al-Bahariya oasis, certifies that Christian monasticism was born in…

Mar 17, 2021Ștefana Totorcea

Patriarch Daniel explains connection between Flight into Egypt and birth of monasticism: Christ turns exile into a blessing

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel attended the Divine Liturgy at the historical chapel of his patriarchal residence on the Sunday after the Nativity of the Lord. His Beatitude explained the gospel passage’s spiritual meanings about the Flight of the Child Jesus into Egypt in his homily. Egypt, a country of idolatry and slavery, would become several…

Dec 28, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu