Romanian Saints

Akathist to Saint Sofian the Confessor of St Anthimos Monastery (16 September)

This Akathist honours our Holy and Venerable Father Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery (16 September), a priest, confessor, spiritual father and iconographer formed by the Jesus Prayer. He celebrated the Divine Mysteries reverently, painted holy icons, guided spiritual children and cared for the afflicted. He remained steadfast during persecution and endured imprisonment. The hymn praises…

Sep 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Varlaam: St Sofian was a prophet, apostle and spiritual father of Bucharest

“During the dark years of communism, Antim Monastery was a lamp that remained continually burning, a light of resurrection here in the heart of Bucharest, while St Sofian was a prophet, an apostle and a father of this city, to whom both the most accomplished intellectuals and ordinary people would turn, seeking his kindness, forgiveness…

Sep 16, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel presents Saint Maria Brâncoveanu as model of faith, patience and generosity

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania described Saint Maria Brâncoveanu as a model of Christian faith and courage whose trust in God enabled her to endure the martyrdom of her husband and four sons, years of captivity and exile without falling into despair. In a message delivered on Sunday at the local proclamation of her…

Aug 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel blesses reliquary holding relics of St Maria Brâncoveanu and her sons

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel blessed the reliquary on Thursday, which holds the relics of Saint Maria Brâncoveanu and her sons, Stephen and Matthew. The blessing service was officiated in the historic Chapel of “Saint George the Trophy-bearer” at the Patriarchal Residence. An icon of Romanian dignity and spirituality His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel highlighted that Saint…

Aug 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Jerusalem Patriarch honours Romanian Saint John Jacob at Choziba Monastery

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem officiated a vigil service on Monday in honour of St John Jacob of Neamț at Choziba Monastery in Palestine. His Beatitude described the saint as “an offspring of Romania”. The service was celebrated by Patriarch Theophilos III together with His Eminence Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Secretary-General of the…

Aug 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Hermit Saints to adorn National Cathedral’s underground chapel, creating ‘monastic cell atmosphere’

The underground chapel of Romania’s National Cathedral will feature numerous Romanian monastic saints, including hermits who lived and prayed in caves. On Wednesday, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia said the chapel “will create the atmosphere of a monastic cell.” Speaking at the National Cathedral Chapel on the feast of St. John Jacob the New…

Aug 7, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel blesses reliquary for newly canonised nuns of Văratec Monastery

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church blessed on Monday the reliquary that will house the relics of the newly canonised Venerable Mothers Nazaria, Olympias, and Elizabeth (Safta) Brâncoveanu of Văratec Monastery. The service took place at the historic St. George Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest. The silver reliquary was crafted…

Aug 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

113 years since the birth of St. John Jacob of Neamț, the Romanian ascetic who sanctified the Holy Land

Thursday marks the 113th anniversary of the birth of St. John Jacob of Neamț, the New Chozebite, who continued the tradition of ascetic life in the Holy Land at the very places where the Prophet Elijah, St. Anne, the Mother of the Theotokos, and St. George of Chozeba had lived as hermits. Born on July…

Jul 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Paisie of Sinaia: God placed the relics of a humble monk in the heart of Bucharest

“God ordained that the relics of a humble monk should be placed in the heart of the capital,” Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia said on Monday, July 13. His Grace celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral on the feast commemorating the Translation of the Relics of St Demetrius the New to Bucharest.…

Jul 21, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Hierarchs celebrate patronal feast at Halmyris Monastery, site of Saints Epictetus and Astion’s martyrdom

Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube and Bishop Visarion of Tulcea celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday at Halmyris Monastery in Tulcea County on the patronal feast of Saints Epictetus and Astion. Archbishop Casian highlighted the decisive role the witness of the two holy martyrs played in the spread of Christianity, noting that “through their…

Jul 9, 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