religious freedom

Polish Orthodox bishops defend religious education amid changes to school curriculum

“Religious education supports the growth and development of the younger generation,” Polish Orthodox bishops said last week following the autumn session of the Holy Synod of the Polish Orthodox Church. “Education authorities, school headteachers and parents should be aware of this and make every effort to eliminate anything that does not contribute to human development,”…

Nov 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Varlaam: Martyrdom remains a constant reality in the life of the Church

“Martyrdom is a constant reality in the Church, because it is the sign under which the life of Christ’s Church unfolds in the world,” Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești emphasised on Sunday evening. His Grace celebrated the all-night Vigil service in honour of St Demetrius the Myrrh-Gusher at the Patriarchal Cathedral’s outdoor altar in…

Oct 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Moldovan Parliament Speaker and Orthodox metropolitan discuss recognition of Soviet repression victims

Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia and Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, met on Wednesday at the Parliament building in Chișinău to discuss cooperation in supporting communities, preserving cultural heritage and the role of faith in society. During the meeting, a proposal was put forward to initiate a legislative process aimed…

Oct 22, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Antonie urges EU support to counter religious disinformation in Republic of Moldova

His Eminence Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia called for support in combating religious disinformation during a meeting with Iwona Piórko, the European Union’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. The meeting took place last Friday at the headquarters of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in Chișinău, with Igor Belei, social affairs adviser to the Archdiocese of Chișinău…

Oct 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel discusses religious freedom, Ukraine and youth challenges with senior US diplomat

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church received Riley Barnes, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, at the Patriarchal Residence on Thursday, 17 September 2026. Darryl Nirenberg, United States Ambassador to Romania, also attended, along with representatives of the US Department…

Sep 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

UN marks International Day for victims of religious violence and persecution

Victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief are commemorated each year on 22 August internationally through a day established by the United Nations. The observance provides an opportunity to express solidarity with people affected by religious persecution and discrimination and to reaffirm the need to protect every person’s right to manifest their…

Aug 22, 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 Nicolae marks US 250th anniversary, praises religious freedom and liberty

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas issued a message marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, describing the nation’s history as “one of the most remarkable testimonies to the power of freedom to create opportunities.” His Eminence highlighted the enduring influence of the principles set…

Jul 7, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Italian Parliament approves state recognition of Romanian Orthodox Diocese

Italy’s Senate has approved legislation recognising the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, following earlier approval by the Chamber of Deputies. The measure was adopted unanimously in the presence of Romania’s Ambassador to Italy, Gabriela Dancău, and His Grace Bishop Siluan of Italy. “The unanimous vote cast by the members of the Senate represents not only…

Jul 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate voices concern over Samson family case in Sweden, backs repatriation of children

The Romanian Patriarchate is concerned about the very difficult situation facing the Romanian Samson family in Sweden, following the separation of their two daughters, Sara and Tiana, from their parents, as a result of a decision by the Swedish local authorities on 2 December 2022. The Church has always taught that the primary responsibility for…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ioan Casian takes part in Canadian Military Chaplaincy Advisory Meeting

Bishop Ioan Casian participated in a meeting of the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC) of the Canadian Armed Forces, held in Borden, Ontario. The gathering, which took place on 28–29 May, brought together representatives of various Christian denominations, religious traditions and spiritual communities. Bishop Ioan Casian represented the Conference of Orthodox Bishops of…

Jun 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu