Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel welcomes first carolers of the year as “heralds of God’s merciful love”

On Wednesday evening, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel received the first carolers of the year at the Patriarchal Residence. On this occasion, His Beatitude told the carolers that they are “heralds of God’s merciful love.” Four groups performed carols: The group from “Ion I. C. Brătianu” Secondary School in Bucharest, The “Saint Kyriake” Byzantine Choir from…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Elia of Finland enthroned in historic ceremony in Helsinki

Archbishop Elia of Finland was enthroned last Sunday at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Helsinki during a historic ceremony attended by over 4,500 people. More than 500 were physically present, while approximately 4,000 joined online via live streaming. The event marked a significant milestone for the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland.…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens: Christmas Message 2024 – “True peace flows from the cave in Bethlehem”

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens conveyed a heartfelt Christmas message for 2024, emphasizing the significance of peace, solidarity, and spiritual life in the face of modern challenges. Drawing inspiration from the angelic hymn at the Nativity of the Lord—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace”—the Archbishop highlighted that Christ’s Nativity marks the…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

On this day in 1992, the Metropolis of Bessarabia was reactivated by the Holy Synod

Thirty-two years ago, on December 19, 1992, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially acknowledged the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. This autonomous metropolis, based in Chișinău, became integral to the Romanian Orthodox Church. The decision to reactivate the Metropolis of Bessarabia was made by clergy and faithful gathered at the Archdiocesan…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

New online presence for the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The newly established Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is now active online, having recently launched an official website alongside dedicated pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. The Archdiocese’s presence on social media is a crucial opportunity to connect with believers, particularly considering the circumstances of Romanians in the diaspora and their need…

Dec 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Carols heal sadness and bring holy joy

On Tuesday evening, during the traditional Christmas carols concert “The Rising Sun” at the Patriarchal Palace, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized the carols’ profound spiritual and emotional impact. Addressing the audience, he described Christmas carols as a source of joy and faith, capable of healing sadness and despair. “Carols are our response to God’s love,”…

Dec 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel reflects on the Prophet Daniel: Protector of those far from home who keep their faith

Patriarch Daniel of Romania celebrated his name day on Tuesday, the feast day of the Prophet Daniel. Following the Te Deum service officiated by His Grace Bishop Paisie of Sinaia, His Beatitude remarked that the prophet “also appears as a protector of those far from home who preserve the faith of their people and their homeland.”…

Dec 18, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Iosif urges UK youth to answer God’s call: “The Church is our response to His invitation”

His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe spoke to the youth of Nepsis UK about God’s invitation in the Parable of the Great Banquet. “The Church is our response to God’s call,” His Eminence emphasized. The Divine Liturgy celebrated on Sunday at “Saint George” Parish in London-Holborn concluded the Nepsis UK Youth Congress,…

Dec 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru’s message on behalf of Moldovan believers: Gratitude for Patriarch Daniel

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Patriarch Daniel’s name day, emphasizing that on the feast of the Holy Prophet Daniel, “all the clergy and faithful people of Bessarabia turn their hearts and minds, filled with gratitude and love,” towards His Beatitude. “We, together with all the servants of the…

Dec 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch of Romania’s Name Day: Connecting his mission to the Prophet Daniel

The Holy Prophet Daniel, a shepherd to his people during the Babylonian exile, is the spiritual protector of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, who leads the Romanian Orthodox Church during a period when Romanians are most extensively spread across all meridians of the globe. Saint Daniel, honoured on December 17, lived for nearly 90 years and…

Dec 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Diaconia Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia wins Best Volunteer Management Award

The Diaconia Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia was named the organization with the best volunteer management at the 2024 NGO Gala. The awards ceremony took place on December 4 in Chișinău as part of the NGO Forum “Civil Society for European Integration,” organized by the NGO Council. “This recognition is due to the…

Dec 16, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu