Romanian Diaspora

First Romanian Orthodox Bishop in North America commemorated at Mono Monastery

Bishop Policarp Morușcă, the first hierarch of Orthodox Romanians in North America, was commemorated Sunday at the Romanian Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephraim the New in Mono, Canada. The monastery’s abbot, Hieromonk Policarp Atenagora, officiated the memorial service after the Divine Liturgy. The service reflected that Romanians in the…

Feb 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Glasgow’s Romanian parish moves educational programs to new location

Non-formal educational activities for Romanian children in Glasgow have begun in a new parish school location, which was blessed last week by Archbishop-elect Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the patronal celebrations of the “Presentation of the Lord to the Temple” Parish. The event was attended by Andreea Ioana Berechet, Romania’s Consul General…

Feb 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian community restores church near Paris in historic Van Gogh village

Eight years after being acquired by the Romanian Orthodox community, the Church of Saint Anthimos the Iberian in Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune 30 km from Paris, is undergoing extensive restoration. Currently, restoration efforts focus on the interior frescoes and the renovation of the courtyard. Ongoing Restoration Efforts Shortly after its acquisition, the church was adapted to…

Feb 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Dublin hosts historic enthronement: Bishop Nectarie takes over youngest diocese in Romanian Diaspora

His Grace Bishop Nectarie was officially enthroned as the first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland on Saturday following the Divine Liturgy held at the “St. Columba” Church of the Dublin II Parish. Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe presented the new bishop with the episcopal insignia, including the mantle, cross, engolpions, kamilavka,…

Jan 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Key decisions of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2024: Canonizations, Diaspora growth, and Centenary preparations

In 2024, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church issued several significant resolutions that shaped the spiritual and organizational life of Romanian Orthodox communities both in the country and abroad. Retrospective Overview The Synod’s decisions were made gradually, responding to the evolving needs of the faithful. A notable example was the elevation of the…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Parish in Borås acquires its own church building

The Romanian Orthodox Parish in Borås has successfully completed the purchase of its own place of worship, as announced by the Diocese of Northern Europe via social media. On Christmas Day, Bishop Macarie blessed the planned renovation works for the newly acquired church building. “We look to the future with optimism, hoping this church will…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Church in Tokyo celebrates milestone with new iconography

The Romanian Orthodox Church in Tokyo concludes the year with a significant achievement: the adornment of its interior with iconography and frescoes. “With great joy, we share the celebration of Christ’s Nativity from the Bethlehem of Japan! This year, God’s abundant blessings have beautified our church through paintings and icons,” the parish representatives posted on…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Serafim of Germany uses his Christmas message to glorify God for revealing modern Romanian Saints

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…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif urges UK youth to answer God’s call: “The Church is our response to His invitation”

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe spoke to the youth of Nepsis UK about God’s invitation in the Parable of the Great Banquet. “The Church is our response to God’s call,” His Eminence emphasized. The Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday at “Saint George” Parish in London-Holborn concluded the Nepsis UK Youth Congress,…

Dec 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanians hope to purchase historic church in Sweden: “A Christmas miracle,” Bishop says

The Romanian Orthodox community in Scandinavia is celebrating a historic moment as they intend to acquire their own church in Borås, Sweden. His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe described this goal as “the most beautiful and unique Christmas gift.” “With great joy, I announce that the contract has been signed to purchase a place…

Dec 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian MEP explains why diaspora churches received most Government funding

Romanian MEP Gheorghe Cârciu explained to journalist Val Vâlcu why Romanian parishes abroad received the majority of funds provided by the Department for Romanians Abroad, which he led in recent years. “The Church is the only entity that carries out all five types of eligible activities for funding: education, culture, spirituality, media, and civil society.…

Dec 2, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu