Romanian Diaspora

Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe turns 60

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe turned 60 on Thursday, marking a milestone in a life dedicated to the service of the Church. Metropolitan Iosif was born on 19 February 1966 in Vișeu de Jos, Maramureș County, northern Romania. He graduated from “Gheorghe Șincai” High School in Baia Mare, the “Andrei Șaguna”…

Feb 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Mother and priest’s wife in Munich: “Community is the safest support for a pregnant woman”

In an interview hosted by the Basilica News Agency, Alexandra Nadane, President of the Romania for Life Association, speaks with Bianca Deaconu — a mother of four and the wife of a priest at the Romanian Orthodox Church Centre in Munich — about the intertwined vocations of family life and ecclesial service in the diaspora.…

Feb 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Diocese in Italy gathers 900 clergy and laity to assess diaspora mission

The Diocesan Assembly and Congress of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy brought together more than 900 clergy, monastics and lay representatives on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. The proceedings of the Diocesan Assembly were presided over by Bishop Siluan, who presented the main directions of diocesan activity and oversaw the review of reports…

Jan 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

First Romanian Orthodox parish in Netherlands marks 45 years with anniversary liturgy

The St Gregory the Theologian Parish in Schiedam/Rotterdam—the first Romanian Orthodox parish in the Netherlands—celebrated its patron saint and marked 45 years since its founding on Sunday. On this occasion, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, together with the parish priest, Ioan Dură, and Fr. Laurent Van Damme…

Jan 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Diocese in Australia and New Zealand reviews 2025 activity at Melbourne assembly

Clergy and lay representatives of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Australia and New Zealand met on Saturday at the diocesan centre in Melbourne—at the Life-giving Spring Monastery—to review the diocese’s activity. The meeting was preceded by a Te Deum service marking the anniversary of the Union of the Romanian Principalities. The Diocesan Assembly was chaired…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Nectarie joins patronal feast of Limerick parish in Ireland

His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland joined the faithful of the Romanian Parish of Limerick, Ireland, for the community’s patronal feast on Sunday. The occasion also marked Bishop Nectarie’s first pastoral and liturgical visit to this parish. The festive day marked not only the meeting of the local community with its bishop but…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church in South Carolina consecrated after nine-year effort

After nine years of sustained efforts, Romanians in South Carolina took part on Sunday in the consecration of the Church of St Gregory the Theologian in Easley, the only Romanian parish in this U.S. state. The consecration service was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas, together with…

Jan 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in UK unveils youth projects for 2026

The Youth Department of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has announced the projects it plans to implement in 2026. Among the department’s initiatives are the organisation of introductory training courses in youth work for priests and youth workers, the running of camps and pilgrimages, the coordination of educational and cultural…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania has EU’s largest diaspora as millions seek work abroad, Church becomes anchor for communities

Romania is the European Union country with the largest number of citizens living outside its borders. More than 3 million Romanians reside legally in EU member states, according to Eurostat data. The real number is higher, however, given that not all Romanians in the diaspora appear in official statistics, especially those who have acquired citizenship…

Jan 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

One year since enthronement of first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland

On Sunday, one year was marked since the enthronement of His Grace Bishop Nectarie as the first Romanian Orthodox bishop of Ireland and Iceland. The date also coincides with the hierarch’s birthday. He was born on January 11, 1980, in Vălenii de Munte, Prahova County, to his parents, Ion and Anișoara Petre. At his baptism,…

Jan 12, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox community forms new parish in Kilkenny, Ireland

A new Romanian Orthodox parish is being formed in Kilkenny, Ireland. The parish will be dedicated to Saint Arsenius (Boca) of Prislop and Saint Cainnech of Aghaboe (Kenneth), one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland celebrated the Divine Liturgy on December 7 with the Romanian community in Kilkenny. Before…

Dec 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu