pastoral care of families

Bishop Macarie urges faithful to entrust families to the Mother of God during Dormition Fast

“Let us entrust our families, our children and young people, our parents and the elderly, the sick and the lonely, our homes, our journeys, our worries, our trials, and all our needs to the Mother of God,” Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe said in a message marking the beginning of the Dormition Fast. The bishop…

Aug 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Youth Gathering unveils ITO 2026 logo inspired by National Cathedral and Brâncuși

The visual identity of the 2026 International Orthodox Youth Meeting (ITO) has been unveiled, featuring a logo inspired by the mosaics of Romania’s National Cathedral and Constantin Brâncuși’s iconic Infinite Column. According to the organisers, the central element of the monogram is “a minimalist representation of the silhouettes of young people joyfully participating in the…

Jul 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bucharest to host 2,400 young people for International Orthodox Youth Meeting

Around 2,400 young people from Romania and abroad are expected to take part in this year’s International Orthodox Youth Meeting (ITO), which will be held in Bucharest from 31 August to 3 September. The gathering will be held under the theme Young People, the Family and the Meaning of Life in Christ, reflecting the Romanian…

Jun 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: St John the Baptist is a protector of families and childless couples

“St John the Baptist is a guardian and protector of families, and a helper of those who have no children,” His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel said on Wednesday, on the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Forerunner. His Beatitude recalled that the birth of St John was the fruit of the persevering prayers of…

Jun 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate voices concern over Samson family case in Sweden, backs repatriation of children

The Romanian Patriarchate is concerned about the very difficult situation facing the Romanian Samson family in Sweden, following the separation of their two daughters, Sara and Tiana, from their parents, as a result of a decision by the Swedish local authorities on 2 December 2022. The Church has always taught that the primary responsibility for…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Basilica Media Centre a gift from God to Church and Romanian people

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, on Monday of the Holy Spirit, marked the patronal feast of the Basilica Media Centre by praising its role in communicating the life of the Church and promoting Orthodox values in contemporary society. In a message addressed to the staff of the Romanian Patriarchate’s media institutions, the Patriarch described the Basilica…

Jun 1, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel urges stronger pastoral support for Christian families

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church on Monday called for renewed pastoral support for the Christian family, warning that contemporary society faces profound spiritual, demographic, and moral crises that threaten family life and the transmission of faith between generations. The Patriarch delivered the message at the opening of the spring pastoral and…

May 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church highlights support for families on Christian Family Sunday

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church instituted in 2009 a Sunday dedicated to the Christian family. It is observed on the Sunday closest to 15 May, which the United Nations designated as the International Day of Families. This year, Christian Family Sunday fell on 17 May, the feast day of the Holy Apostles…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

International Day of Families highlights social inequality and child wellbeing in 2026

The International Day of Families is observed annually on 15 May. The theme for 2026 highlights the impact of social and economic inequalities on family life and child development. The International Day of Families is marked under a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. The UN warns that many families face…

May 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian charity priest says family dysfunction and isolation fuel addictions

Fr Alin Nica, coordinator of the hospital and charity clergy within the Archdiocese of Bucharest, said on Sunday in an interview with Radio România Cultural that many addictions emerge when dysfunctions exist within the family. The priest explained that interpersonal relationships are increasingly affected by today’s culture, which emphasises immediate, effortless satisfaction. “Many addictions appear…

May 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ioan Casian: ‘Joy is the first gift Christ offers the Myrrh-bearing Women’

“The first thing Christ wishes to share with the Myrrh-bearing Women early in the morning is joy,” writes Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada in his pastoral message for Holy Pascha. “Joy springs from the encounter with the Son of God, who grants us salvation. It is the shared joy of communion once lost and restored…

Apr 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu