Bishop Benedict of Sălaj

Romanian bishop joins pilgrims on 20-km walk to Nicula Monastery for Dormition

His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj on Tuesday joined a group of Orthodox faithful on a 20-km pilgrimage on foot from Valcău de Jos, Sălaj County, to Nicula Monastery, Cluj County, where they will take part in celebrations for the Dormition of the Mother of God. Before their departure, the bishop highlighted the spiritual meaning…

Aug 14, 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

Bishop Benedict sets out seven pillars for young people’s spiritual formation

His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj proposed seven key pillars for building a spiritually robust personality, drawing on the Gospel reading at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The feast coincides with International Orthodox Youth Day. Reflecting on the verse “to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22), the bishop underlined that “young…

Feb 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict reflects on ‘theology of the cave’, linking Bethlehem to communist prisons

Bishop Benedict of Sălaj has proposed in his first Christmas Pastoral Letter a reflection on what he calls the “theology of the cave,” drawing a parallel between the humility of the manger in Bethlehem and the “cave” of suffering experienced in communist prisons. He stresses that no human suffering is too dark to be illumined…

Dec 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox bishop condemns violence against women, urges respect and responsibility

Bishop Benedict of Sălaj issued a firm message on Tuesday for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: “We state clearly: No to violence!” His Grace stressed that “the Church is attentive to the suffering of the world and especially to the silent and hidden suffering of many women, whether in families…

Nov 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict: Biblical anthropology key to priest–therapist dialogue

“Dialogue between a psychotherapist and a priest of the Church is of maximum usefulness, provided that the anthropological premises are common and biblically grounded,” said His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj in an interview with Father Florin-Ciprian Petre for the Hristocentric project, which promotes an integrative psycho-spiritual approach to mental health. “In the ancient Philokalic…

Sep 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict says enemies should be first remembered in prayer

Bishop Benedict of Sălaj officiated the re-consecration of the parish church in Boian, Șimleu Silvaniei Deanery, on Sunday, where he spoke about the transformative power of forgiveness. “Your enemy should be the first name you sincerely mention in prayer before God. God has His divine pedagogy,” the bishop said. He explained that it is difficult…

Aug 27, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop of Sălaj highlights Christian leadership principles inspired by Saint Constantine the Great

“Those who listen to us do not seek perfect people, but sincere ones,” emphasized the Bishop of Sălaj last week during the patronal feast of the church in Șimleu Silvaniei. His Grace Bishop Benedict recalled that this year marks 1,700 years since the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, speaking about the gathering of bishops in…

May 26, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

In first Easter pastoral letter as Bishop of Sălaj, Benedict says God helps us carry burdens beyond our strength

In his first Easter Pastoral Letter, His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj reflected on the burdens of earthly life accompanied by God’s generous presence. He emphasized that the Resurrection of Christ is not merely a future promise but a present reality that allows us to begin tasting eternal life now. “A beginning is always difficult—but…

Apr 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu