Romanian Saints

Newly canonized Romanian Saints start to be depicted in churches

The sixteen Saints who were recently canonised by the Romanian Orthodox Church are now being depicted in new churches. Many of these representations are already visible in Sângeorz-Băi, a town located in the mountain region of Bistrița-Năsăud County in Transylvania. The team of iconographer Stanislav Grecu painted icons in the church dedicated to Saint George…

Aug 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Exhumation of St Sofian’s relics: The time has come for the Lord’s chosen ones to be moved from the cemetery to the church

On Monday morning, Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova officiated the exhumation service of the holy relics of Saint Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery at Căldărușani Monastery near Bucharest. The venerable relics were placed in the cemetery church for a specific service before being transported to St Anthimos Monastery. “A specific rite was observed for such…

Jul 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Priests Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătușu and Dumitru Stăniloae, witnesses of Christian love in an era marked by hatred and division

Răzvan Mihai Clipici, the head of the Culture subdepartment of the Culture, Painting and Restoration Sector of the Patriarchal Administration, published an article with historical data about the priests Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătusu, and Dumitru Stăniloae in response to various accusations that appeared in the public space after their canonization. Full text: Priests Ilarion Felea,…

Jul 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Arad Theology Faculty welcomes canonization of priest and martyr Ilarion Felea: A source of joy and fulfilment

In a statement for Basilica.ro, Father Cristinel Ioja, the Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Arad, welcomed the canonization of the martyr priest Ilarion Felea, which he described as “excellent news, a source of joy and fulfilment.” Arad’s theological higher education institution bears the name of the confessor priest Ilarion Felea and has…

Jul 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel celebrates 73rd birthday with thanksgiving prayer and reflections on his spiritual journey

On Monday, Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova conducted a Te Deum service at the Patriarchal Cathedral to celebrate the 73rd birthday of the Patriarch of Romania. After the service, the Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Bucharest delivered a congratulatory message, highlighting Patriarch Daniel’s connections with some of the saints recently canonized by the Holy…

Jul 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate press office offers clarifications regarding new canonizations

In light of a statement from the “Elie Wiesel” National Institute for the Study of the Holocaust in Romania regarding the canonizations of Fathers Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătușu, and Dumitru Stăniloae, the Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate makes the following clarifications: a) Following the principles of religious freedom and church autonomy as outlined in…

Jul 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Photo gallery: Icons of the newly-canonized Romanian Saints

Sixteen Romanian venerables and confessors were canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church during its working sessions on July 11-12. The proclamation of the canonization of the new saints will take place next year when the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates a century since the recognition of its Patriarchate status. Please find below…

Jul 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Sihăstria Monastery abbot welcomes canonization of Elders Paisie Olaru and Cleopa Ilie: They are alive and take care of us

“We are delighted by the approval of the canonization of all sixteen saints, but we especially welcome with great devotion, gratitude, and spiritual joy this decision to approve the canonization of the two fathers from Sihăstria Monastery, Venerable Paisie Olaru and Venerable Cleopa Ilie,” Archimandrite Arsenie Popa, abbot of Sihăstria Monastery, told Basilica.ro. “The pilgrims…

Jul 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian hierarchs visit Silistra to celebrate Dorostolum Martyrs Sunday

The Holy Martyrs of Dorostolum were honoured on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Silistra, Bulgaria. The assembly of bishops included Archbishop Teodosie of Tomis, Bishop Visarion of Tulcea, and Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Jacob of Dorostol.…

Jul 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

St. Dumitru Stăniloae’s canonization is a joy for the theological world: The tradition of the first centuries is resumed

The news of the canonization of the illustrious theologian and confessor priest Dumitru Stăniloae brought joy among Romanian theologians. Basilica.ro took the pulse of theology faculties in the country where Saint Dumitru Stăniloae taught: Bucharest and Sibiu. Bucharest “We have awaited with joy and hope the moment of the canonization of the most illustrious and…

Jul 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan of Ruse in Bucharest: In these times, Saint Demetrius rejoices to see us in unity

Attending the 250th anniversary of the Translation of Saint Demetrius the New’s relics to Bucharest, Metropolitan Naum of Ruse spoke from the outdoor altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral about the essential need for unity and joint testimony in these troubled times. His Eminence Metropolitan Naum conveyed, personally and on behalf of the new Patriarch Daniil…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu