Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop meets with Deputy Ambassador of Israel to strengthen bilateral ties

On Monday, November 4, 2024, His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Secretary of the Holy Synod, welcomed His Excellency Mr. Rami Teplitskiy, Deputy Ambassador of the State of Israel to Bucharest, at the Patriarchal Palace. Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești extended a warm welcome to the Israeli Deputy Ambassador at the Romanian Patriarchate, noting…

Nov 4, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia congratulates Maia Sandu on her victory in Moldova’s presidential election

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia extended his congratulations to Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, on her election to a new term in office. “In light of Your Excellency’s election to the esteemed office of President of the Republic of Moldova, please allow us to extend our warmest and most sincere congratulations,”…

Nov 4, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy healers celebrated in November (I)

November brings our attention to 16 saints to whom believers can turn for physical and spiritual healing and for examples of how to navigate the challenges of modern society. This article provides a brief overview of the lives of 8 saints from the first part of November, noteworthy because they faced the trials of the…

Nov 4, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Alarming rise in Christian Persecution over the last two years, reports ‘Aid to the Church in Need’

Christian persecution has seen a troubling increase over the past two years, according to a report conducted in 18 countries by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need. The report, covering the years 2022 to 2024, was presented to the British Parliament on October 22 and highlights a particularly severe rise in persecution…

Nov 1, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Alexandra Nadane: 2026 Commemorative Year will illuminate the spiritual paths for women

The 2026 Commemorative Year “will bring a greater societal understanding of the spiritual paths available to women,” said Alexandra Nadane, executive director of the Association for the Support of Pregnant Women and Families. “I was very pleased to hear that the Holy Synod has declared 2026 as the Solemn Year of Christian Family Pastoral Care…

Nov 1, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Heroes’ Cross in Slovenia rededicated following restoration efforts

The memorial cross honouring Romanian Heroes in the Slovenian town of Miren-Kostanjevica, recently restored with support from the Romanian Embassy, was rededicated last Friday, October 25. The monument, erected in 2010 in honour of soldiers from the Romanian 43rd Caransebeș Regiment who fell during World War I, was a joint project initiated by the Romanian…

Nov 1, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel expresses compassion and solidarity following devastating floods in Spain

In response to the catastrophic flooding in Spain’s Valencia, Malaga, and Castilla-La Mancha regions, which has led to 95 confirmed deaths and left many missing—including 22 Romanians—the Romanian Orthodox Church, led by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, has extended a message of profound sympathy and support. The message, delivered to the Spanish public and the Romanian…

Oct 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Timotei calls for solidarity and support for victims of devastating floods in Spain

Bishop Timotei of Spain and Portugal has called for solidarity with those affected by severe flooding across the Iberian Peninsula, urging clergy and parishioners to offer both material and spiritual support. Torrential rains from a cold front flooded roads and cities in Spain on Tuesday, with authorities advising residents to stay indoors in hard-hit areas.…

Oct 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Veniamin marks 20 years of St. Barbarus Chapel, conveys message of hope for Ploiești Prison inmates

On Tuesday, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “St. Barbarus” Chapel of Ploiești Penitentiary, marking 20 years since its consecration. During the service, Bishop Veniamin encouraged the inmates to use their prison time to draw closer to God. “This is a special institution, and it is essential to maintain love,…

Oct 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Vienna parish’s new catechism model empowers graduates to teach younger generations

Starting this month, the “St. Anthony” Parish Catechism School in Vienna has introduced an innovative teaching approach, allowing recent graduates to take on the role of catechists for younger students. Presbytera Patricia Moga, the parish school coordinator, designed the innovative educational model. To ensure the quality of the information shared, about 20 young people—graduates from…

Oct 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Memorial service held for Colectiv fire victims on ninth anniversary: “A shared sorrow”

A memorial service for the victims of the Colectiv nightclub fire took place on Wednesday at the cross erected in front of the former club, marking nine years since the tragedy. The service was led by Father Vlad Mândru, Human Resources Inspector within the Sector 4 Deanery, joined by other local clergy. Father Mândru shared…

Oct 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu