ştiri ortodoxe

As Orthodox believers are deprived of the Eucharist, Patriarch Daniel indicates other ways of partaking of Christ

As Romanian Orthodox believers are deprived of receiving Holy Communion in churches following the coronavirus outbreak, Patriarch Daniel said there are several ways to receive Christ in our souls spiritually. ‘Now only those who call priests home can receive the Eucharist,’ Patriarch Daniel said during his homily in an empty patriarchal cathedral on Maundy Thursday.…

Apr 16, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Great and Holy Thursday (Matins) Virginmartyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia in Thessalonica

Two events shape the liturgy of Great and Holy Thursday: the Last Supper of Christ with His disciples, and the betrayal of Judas. The meaning of both is in love. The Last Supper is the ultimate revelation of God’s redeeming love for man, of love as the very essence of salvation. And the betrayal of…

Apr 16, 2020Iulian Dumitraşcu

Romanian Orthodox Church top 9 pastoral care programmes for Roma people

It is estimated that approximately 621 thousand people of Roma origin live in Romania, most of whom are Orthodox Christians. The Romanian Orthodox Church has always paid attention to the mission among Roma people by intensifying its catechetical work, supporting education, and developing social assistance. Here is a list of the top nine pastoral care…

Apr 8, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Statement by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America Concerning Holy Week and Easter

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (ACOB-USA) recommends further compliance with the sanitary norms for Covid-19 prevention during the following period, when Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday, the Holy Week and Easter. A recent declaration lists strong recommendations regarding religious services: they should be officiated only with a maximum…

Apr 7, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

‘To Thee the Champion Leader’: 100 top voices minister peace to a struggling nation in viral video

A hundred church chanters formed a nationwide choir on Sunday teaming up for a communal singalong in honour of the Mother of God. The church singers found a way to record one of the most famous hymns of all, singing it individually, on their phones. Then the videos were combined into a virtual cell phone…

Apr 6, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Covid-19 | Romanian Orthodox Church initiates dozens of support measures for hospitals and people (March 16-31)

During the state of emergency, the Romanian Orthodox Church has intensified its presence both online and in society respecting all the required sanitary precautions. Even before the state of emergency being declared in Romania, just as the authorities raised the level of alert regarding the coronavirus epidemic, the Church had started preparations to prevent a…

Apr 3, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Putna Monastery pins hopes on patron saints to rid Romania of coronavirus

The monks of Putna Monastery pray for a miracle from the monastery’s patron saints to rescue Romania from the coronavirus outbreak. Carrying relics and icons, the monks walked around the outside of the monastery’s main church on Sunday, praying the coronavirus away. The procession was organized as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the…

Mar 31, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

US Assembly of Bishops launches Covid-19 Resource Centre for Orthodox Christians

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA announces a resource center for clergy and faithful during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Resource Center includes updated news from the various jurisdictions as well as practical guidelines and resources for families, ministry leaders, parish leadership, and everyone. The Center can be accessed here and will be updated…

Mar 31, 2020Iulian Dumitraşcu

Mount Athos closes for pilgrims and visitors because of the coronavirus epidemic

Deputy civil governor of Mount Athos Aristos Kasmiroglou has suspended the entrance of outside visitors and pilgrims to the Athonite State until March 30, 2020, according to Orthodox Times, which quotes Greek website ethnos.gr. This decision excludes officials and employees of Athos. The Holy Community of Mount Athos accepted the government’s decisions as formulated in…

Mar 20, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Polish Church adds 30 names to Synaxis of Podlasie Martyrs

At the meeting of the Bishops’ Council of the Polish Orthodox Church on October 29, 30 names were added to the Synaxis of the Martyrs of Chełm and Podlasie. Now, another 30 holy martyrs have been glorified among the saints and added to the Synaxis. The Bishops’ Council of the Polish Church met on Tuesday, March…

Mar 20, 2020Gheorghe Anghel

Romanian Patriarchate calls for faith, temperance, and solidarity in face of coronavirus

Given Romania’s state of emergency due to the new coronavirus epidemic, the Romanian Patriarchate calls for responsibility, temperance and solidarity. The Romanian Patriarchate urges all priests of the Romanian Orthodox Church to implement with realism, lucidity and confidence the measures imposed by the state authorities, which temporarily affect the Church’s liturgical life. These regulations aim…

Mar 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu