Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabian Orthodox priests trained to address domestic violence and gender stereotypes

A group of priests from the Metropolis of Bessarabia is participating in a training-of-trainers course titled “Domestic Violence and Combating Stereotypes in the Orthodox Perspective,” held on February 17-18. The training is organized by the Diaconia Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in partnership with UN Women Moldova. One of the trainers is Father Ciprian…

Feb 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Republic of Moldova establishes “Council of Memory” to commemorate victims of communist repression

The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova have recently established the “Council of Memory,” a consultative body dedicated to honouring the victims of political repression under the totalitarian communist regime (1917-1990). The founding order was signed on February 7 by Ministers Sergiu Prodan and Dan Perciun, aiming to contribute…

Feb 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

It is not my honor, but that of the entire Church: Patriarch Miron on the debate on the Law establishing the Romanian Patriarchate

A century ago, on February 17, 1925, the Chamber of Deputies of Romania held a historic debate on the Law for the Establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. During the session, Metropolitan Miron Cristea, who was soon to be enthroned as the first Patriarch of Romania, delivered a memorable speech. “This Honor Belongs to the Entire…

Feb 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s homily: A Gospel of forgiveness for the repentant sinner and a call to soften the unforgiving pious man

On Sunday, Patriarch Daniel of Romania described the Parable of the Prodigal Son as “a Gospel of forgiveness for the repentant sinner and a call to soften the unforgiving pious man”. Speaking at the Patriarchal Cathedral, His Beatitude emphasized that the Church has placed this parable on the second Sunday of the Triodion period as…

Feb 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Austrian Churches Council visits Holy Land to support peace and Christian communities

A delegation from the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ) visited the Holy Land last week for discussions with organizations working for peace and reconciliation. The delegation included: Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, Apostolic Armenian Bishop and President of ÖRKÖ, Bishop Manfred Scheuer, Catholic Bishop of Linz, Superintendent Thomas Hennefeld, Regional Reformed Church leader, Father Nicolae…

Feb 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

New assistant bishop ordained for Chișinău Archdiocese amid Centennial celebrations

The Patriarch of Romania, the Metropolitan of Bessarabia and other Romanian hierarchs performed the ordination to the episcopate of the new assistant bishop of the Chișinău Archdiocese during a solemn liturgy held Sunday at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. Archimandrite Nectarie Clinic, the former abbot of Sihăstria Putnei Monastery in Suceva County, was elected by…

Feb 17, 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

Dacia Felix Diocese signs cooperation agreement with Alibunar municipality to support Romanian communities in historic Banat

The Diocese of Dacia Felix signed a cooperation agreement on Thursday with the Serbian Municipality of Alibunar, which, according to the diocese, governs the localities with the largest number of Romanians in historic Banat. The agreement was signed at the Alibunar Town Hall by Bishop Ieronim of Dacia Felix and Mayor Zorana Bratic. During the…

Feb 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate in Romania expands cultural, catechetical, and philanthropic efforts in 2024

In 2024, the Ukrainian Orthodox Vicariate in Romania carried out a series of cultural, catechetical, and philanthropic activities, including traditional choral concerts, a symposium on Ukrainian saints in Romania, and increased catechetical programs for youth and adults. Cultural and Educational Activities The vicariate hosted several notable concerts, including: The 8th edition of the Passion Hymns…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Archimandrite Nectarie Clinci to be ordained as Assistant Bishop of Chișinău Archdiocese at Bucharest Patriarchal Cathedral

The Very Rev. Archimandrite Nectarie Clinci from Sihăstria Putnei Monastery in Suceava will be ordained as Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, following his election by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Metropolis of Bessarabia has announced that the ordination will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Patriarchal…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas reflects on pride during Liturgy at Putna Monastery

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at Putna Monastery, delivering a sermon on the spiritual dangers of pride, inspired by the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee. During his homily, Metropolitan Nicolae emphasized that even hermits are not exempt from the temptation of pride. “Those monks who…

Feb 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu