Aurelian Iftimiu

10 insights for youth development from Saint Isaac the Syrian: A reflection by Bishop Benedict of Bistrița

Assistant Bishop Benedict of Bistrița, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj, and one of the youngest members of the Holy Synod, offers a ten-point reflection on the writings of Saint Isaac the Syrian regarding youth development. Addressing younger generations, the bishop emphasizes the importance of effort, perseverance, and generous relationships with…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Study reveals 380 million Christians persecuted worldwide, top risk zones identified

The Open Doors organization has compiled the annual World Watch List 2025, ranking the most dangerous countries for Christians. A report covering the period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, reveals that over 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith: 1 in 7 globally, 1 in 5…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Work progresses on Romania’s largest hearing-impaired support center

Significant progress is being made on the largest center for hearing-impaired individuals in Romania, with the roof installation set to begin soon. The Archdiocese of Bucharest launched the project in 2022, and it is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The center is located in Bucharest’s Sector 5, at 7 Doina…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy gains official status in Italy

The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy is officially being recognized as a religion in Italy. Alfredo Mantovano, Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and Bishop Siluan signed the agreement on Monday at the Government State Office in Rome. The proposed law will now be presented to the Italian Parliament for approval. Key…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Archimandrite Ambrose, Abbot of Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, falls asleep in the Lord

Archimandrite Ambrose, Abbot of Zograf Monastery on Mount Athos, passed away on Monday at the age of 85, as announced by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Father Ambrose (Tyrolenkov) graduated from the Sofia Theological Seminary near Cherepish, Bulgaria. In 1973, he entered Bačkovo Monastery as a novice, and four years later, he was tonsured as a monk.…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Response to Pope Francis’ statement on a unified date for Easter

Following a recent statement by Pope Francis regarding the establishment of a common date for the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord, we wish to clarify that any consultation on the date of Easter and a possible decision can only take place within the framework of a future Pan-Orthodox Council, with the participation of…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Five days of Church mourning in Albania: Funerals of Archbishop Anastasios to be held Thursday

The Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church convened on Saturday for an extraordinary session and declared a five-day period of mourning in memory of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, who passed away earlier that morning. The body of the late Archbishop will be brought to the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in…

Jan 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Christian unity discussed at round table in Brussels

Fr. Sorin Șelaru, Director of the Romanian Patriarchate’s Representation in Brussels, participated on Tuesday in a round table titled How Do We Understand Christian Unity in Practice?. He emphasized that striving for unity should constantly concern every believer. The event featured a dialogue between Fr. Sorin Șelaru; Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary-General of the Commission…

Jan 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

God changes hearts through His overwhelming goodness, not punishment, Patriarch Daniel says

“God wants to change the hearts and lives of people not so much through punishment, illness, troubles, or rebukes, but especially through His overwhelming goodness,” said Patriarch Daniel on Sunday in his sermon about Zacchaeus, the tax collector. “Since the Lord Christ did not rebuke Zacchaeus but honoured him with a visit to his house,…

Jan 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Serbian minority in Romania celebrates Saint Sava Day

Since 2020, the feast day of Saint Sava Nemanja, the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church, has been recognized as the official celebration of the Serbian minority in Romania. The institution of Saint Sava’s Day was initiated by Deputy Adnagi Slavoliub of the Union of Serbs in Romania, according to Agerpres. On January 27,…

Jan 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Principalities’ Union Day: Metropolitan of Bessarabia reaffirms the national and spiritual identity of Bessarabians

“The Union of the Romanian Principalities was the day when the sons of Moldavia and Wallachia embraced as brothers, under the same flag and faith, laying the foundation of the modern Romanian state,” said His Eminence Metropolitan of Bessarabia in a pastoral message marking the 166th anniversary of this historic event. “This Union was not…

Jan 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu