Romanian Diaspora

Romanian Orthodox Church in Ecuador gains official recognition

A historic milestone for Romanian Orthodoxy in Latin America recently took place in Quito, Ecuador, where the Romanian Orthodox Church “Saint Joseph the New of Partoș” obtained legal recognition. This official status marks a crucial step in strengthening the canonical Orthodox presence in the region. Among those present at this landmark event was Rev. Vicar…

Mar 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian officials discuss Orthodox pastoral care and Christian solidarity in Italy

The President of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, MP Ionuț Vulpescu, and Romania’s Ambassador to the Holy See, His Excellency George Bologan, were received on Monday by Bishop Siluan at the headquarters of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy. During their meeting with Bishop Siluan, the discussion emphasized and appreciated the spiritual and social assistance…

Feb 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

UK’s Romanian Orthodox Archbishop-elect bids farewell to Italy after 17 years of ministry

His Grace Atanasie, recently elected as the first Archbishop of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, bid farewell to the Romanian Orthodox community in Italy on Sunday after 17 years of ministry. The archbishop-elect celebrated his final Divine Liturgy at the Eparchial Center in Rome, where he urged the faithful to…

Feb 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

First Romanian Orthodox Bishop in North America commemorated at Mono Monastery

Bishop Policarp Morușcă, the first hierarch of Orthodox Romanians in North America, was commemorated Sunday at the Romanian Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and St. Ephraim the New in Mono, Canada. The monastery’s abbot, Hieromonk Policarp Atenagora, officiated the memorial service after the Divine Liturgy. The service reflected that Romanians in the…

Feb 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Glasgow’s Romanian parish moves educational programs to new location

Non-formal educational activities for Romanian children in Glasgow have begun in a new parish school location, which was blessed last week by Archbishop-elect Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the patronal celebrations of the “Presentation of the Lord to the Temple” Parish. The event was attended by Andreea Ioana Berechet, Romania’s Consul General…

Feb 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian community restores church near Paris in historic Van Gogh village

Eight years after being acquired by the Romanian Orthodox community, the Church of Saint Anthimos the Iberian in Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune 30 km from Paris, is undergoing extensive restoration. Currently, restoration efforts focus on the interior frescoes and the renovation of the courtyard. Ongoing Restoration Efforts Shortly after its acquisition, the church was adapted to…

Feb 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Dublin hosts historic enthronement: Bishop Nectarie takes over youngest diocese in Romanian Diaspora

His Grace Bishop Nectarie was officially enthroned as the first Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Ireland and Iceland on Saturday following the Divine Liturgy held at the “St. Columba” Church of the Dublin II Parish. Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe presented the new bishop with the episcopal insignia, including the mantle, cross, engolpions, kamilavka,…

Jan 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Key decisions of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2024: Canonizations, Diaspora growth, and Centenary preparations

In 2024, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church issued several significant resolutions that shaped the spiritual and organizational life of Romanian Orthodox communities both in the country and abroad. Retrospective Overview The Synod’s decisions were made gradually, responding to the evolving needs of the faithful. A notable example was the elevation of the…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Parish in Borås acquires its own church building

The Romanian Orthodox Parish in Borås has successfully completed the purchase of its own place of worship, as announced by the Diocese of Northern Europe via social media. On Christmas Day, Bishop Macarie blessed the planned renovation works for the newly acquired church building. “We look to the future with optimism, hoping this church will…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Church in Tokyo celebrates milestone with new iconography

The Romanian Orthodox Church in Tokyo concludes the year with a significant achievement: the adornment of its interior with iconography and frescoes. “With great joy, we share the celebration of Christ’s Nativity from the Bethlehem of Japan! This year, God’s abundant blessings have beautified our church through paintings and icons,” the parish representatives posted on…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Serafim of Germany uses his Christmas message to glorify God for revealing modern Romanian Saints

The Christmas Pastoral Letter of His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, briefly presents the life of eight of the sixteen newly canonized Romanian Saints – those His Eminence knew. “Let us give glory to the good God who has raised so many saints from our people who pray for us, interceding…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu