Youth

Bishop Benedict links International Youth Day to spiritual ‘Youth of the Heart’ in message to young people

In an exclusive message to Basilica.ro, His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj placed International Youth Day in a Christian perspective, suggesting that there is also a “youth of the heart,” and that “those who feel young at heart” are “those who love the Mother of God.” The hierarch recalled that International Youth Day, marked on…

Aug 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop criticizes music festivals for mocking Christian symbols: Christ bothers

His Grace Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar spoke on Sunday about what he described as disturbing trends at certain music festivals in Romania, saying that “Christ bothers” some of the participants at these events. In a sermon delivered at the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Baia Mare, the bishop…

Aug 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nifon urges youth in Târgoviște to reject superficial ideologies at Saint Niphon celebrations

His Eminence Hon Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Patriarchal Exarch, urged thousands of young people gathered on Sunday for the Saint Niphon celebrations in Târgoviște to never be “deceived by what merely shines without depth — namely, by confused and destructive ideologies.” According to the honorary metropolitan, such ideologies are deceptive because “although they…

Aug 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Young Orthodox from France, Switzerland, and Canada meet in Paris for Pentecost Nepsis Congress

Young members of the Nepsis movement from France, Switzerland, and Canada gathered in Paris for their annual congress themed “The Presence of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives.” The event was held over Pentecost weekend and began with a warm welcome at the Cathedral of the Holy Archangels in Paris. The congress opened with the…

Jun 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Youth Meeting in Oltenia draws 450 participants, hosted by Metropolitan Irineu and Bishop Macarie

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia and Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe met last week with the 450 participants of this year’s Orthodox Youth Meeting in Oltenia. On Friday, following the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the “Madona Dudu” Church in Craiova by His Grace Bishop Macarie, a Te Deum service was also officiated in the presence of…

May 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict urges youth to seek mentors and embrace lifelong learning on National Youth Day

On the occasion of Romania’s National Youth Day, His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj conveyed a message of encouragement and guidance to all young people: “Pay close attention to your mentors, learn from them, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.” The bishop encouraged youth to cultivate two essential components for a meaningful and intelligent…

May 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian children from Belgium discover monastic life and prayer at “Little Hesychast” Camp in Switzerland

Children from the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Antwerp, Belgium, took part last week in the “Little Hesychast” Camp, organized at the “Protection of the Mother of God” Monastery in Switzerland. The camp’s main goal was to bring children and teenagers closer to monastic life and help them learn the Jesus Prayer. The children attended the…

Apr 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

“Dare to Be Different” – Bishop Damaschin urges youth to preserve their freedom for God

On Orthodox Youth Day, Bishop Damaschin of Dorna, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, encouraged young people to think differently, resist conforming to societal trends, and uphold Christian values. “Do not be afraid to be different, to stand out from the trend, to distinguish yourselves—without judging those who think, speak, and live…

Feb 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

10 insights for youth development from Saint Isaac the Syrian: A reflection by Bishop Benedict of Bistrița

Assistant Bishop Benedict of Bistrița, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj, and one of the youngest members of the Holy Synod, offers a ten-point reflection on the writings of Saint Isaac the Syrian regarding youth development. Addressing younger generations, the bishop emphasizes the importance of effort, perseverance, and generous relationships with…

Jan 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Young volunteers honoured at Patriarchal Palace Gala for their involvement in Church activities

The “Youth in Action” volunteers were celebrated Tuesday evening at a gala held at the Patriarchal Palace. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel attended the gala and praised their dedication to the Church’s activities. The event was moderated by Archdeacon Eugen Maftei, Advisor for Education and Youth Activities in Bucharest’s Archdiocese. His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel expressed gratitude…

Dec 4, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Macarie presents the Theotokos as “a source of hope and deliverance from fear, anxiety, and sorrow”

Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe spoke about the significance of the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, addressing themes of hope, salvation, and overcoming contemporary anxieties during a conference held Thursday evening at the Faculty of Theology in Bucharest. A Feast of Hope and Salvation “The Feast of the Entry of…

Nov 22, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu