Dioceses

Orthodox bishop likens climbing the mountain to the Christian spiritual journey

“The mountain is also an image of the spiritual ascent. No one reaches the mountain’s summit without effort,” Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania said last Thursday at the patronal feast of Ceahlău Monastery, situated at an altitude of 1,800 metres (5,900 feet). Pilgrims from across Romania attended the celebration, some walking hundreds of kilometres to…

Aug 10, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian ambassador visits Diocese of Bălți, reaffirms support for Romanian communities in Republic of Moldova

Romania’s Ambassador to Chișinău, Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, met on Wednesday with Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia during an official visit to the Diocese of Bălți. During their meeting, the two reaffirmed their partnership in support of Romanian communities in the Republic of Moldova. The ambassador’s visit continued the institutional dialogue initiated in July at the Metropolitan Residence…

Aug 7, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

African metropolitan urges faithful to follow St. John Jacob’s example at Romanian seminary feast

“The saints gather us together today. We have come to celebrate a saint—St. John Jacob—who was also a man, yet his eyes were always fixed on God,” Metropolitan Chariton of Kananga of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa said on Wednesday during the patronal feast of the Theological Seminary at Neamț Monastery. His Eminence…

Aug 7, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Antonie marks 24th anniversary of Metropolis of Bessarabia’s legal recognition

Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia officiated a Te Deum at the St John the Theologian Metropolitan Chapel in Chișinău on Thursday, marking 24 years since the official recognition of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, re-established after the fall of communism. The service was followed by the reading of a message from the metropolitan, who described the anniversary…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta visits Arad Archdiocese

On Monday, 27 July, Archbishop Timotei of Arad received Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Ecumenical Patriarchate). Archbishop Timotei introduced his guest to the new Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral in Arad. According to the archdiocese, Metropolitan Sevastianos was “deeply impressed by the beauty and grandeur” of the cathedral. The visit…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

St Basil the Great’s right hand to visit Romania for first time

Faithful in Romania will have their first chance to venerate the right hand of St Basil the Great, on display at the Diocesan Cathedral of Alexandria from August 28 to September 2. The reliquary containing the holy relic will be brought by Bishop Nicodemus of Skopelos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolis of Chalkida, Istiaia and…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict calls for compassionate doctors, priests and teachers

The Great Martyr and Healer Saint Panteleimon was also honoured on Monday at the parish serving the Prof. Dr Ioan Pușcaș Municipal Hospital in Șimleu Silvaniei, Sălaj County, Romania. Bishop Benedict of Sălaj celebrated the Divine Liturgy and said in his homily that society needs “doctors who love,” as well as priests and teachers who…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Antonie reflects on Soviet-era ‘deportation’ of Romanian Orthodox Church from Bessarabia

“Those of us who belong to the Metropolis of Bessarabia know the injustice that was done to our institution. It was deported just as so many of our fellow countrymen were deported,” Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia said in an interview with TVR Moldova. Against this historical background, the official recognition of the re-established Metropolis of…

Jul 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Basarabia’s Metropolitan Antonie pledges partnership with Republic of Moldova’s new government

The inauguration of the Republic of Moldova’s new government signifies a new beginning that coincides, providentially, with a new phase in the life of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, following the election of its new Primate, as stated by Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Vasile Tofan. “We regard this convergence as an opportunity…

Jul 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian ambassador, Metropolitan Antonie discuss joint education, heritage and social projects

His Eminence Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia met on Tuesday with His Excellency Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Romania’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, at the Metropolitan Residence in Chișinău. During the meeting, the two discussed joint projects in education, culture, heritage preservation, social and charitable work, and support for Romanian communities on both sides of the Prut…

Jul 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Damaschin warns against hasty judgement: We never know the whole context

“Let us be careful not to rush into judging an event or a person, because, on the one hand, much escapes us and we do not know everything,” His Grace Damaschin of Dorna, Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, warned on Sunday. His Grace celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Protection of…

Jul 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu