Canonization 2025

Synodal Decree of the Romanian Orthodox Church for canonization of 20th-century Saints

In a significant event marking the centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has officially proclaimed the sainthood of sixteen confessors and spiritual fathers, recognizing their exemplary lives and martyrdom during the tumultuous times of the 20th century. The decree, issued on February 4, 2025, honours priests and monks…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Three weeks until historic proclamation of new Romanian Saints for 2025 Centennial

Last year, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church approved the canonization of sixteen 20th-century confessors and spiritual fathers. Their canonization will be publicly proclaimed as part of the program for the Centennial Year of the Romanian Patriarchate—2025. This year, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates 140 years since obtaining autocephaly and 100 years since being…

Jan 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Priests Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătușu and Dumitru Stăniloae, witnesses of Christian love in an era marked by hatred and division

Răzvan Mihai Clipici, the head of the Culture subdepartment of the Culture, Painting and Restoration Sector of the Patriarchal Administration, published an article with historical data about the priests Ilarion Felea, Ilie Lăcătusu, and Dumitru Stăniloae in response to various accusations that appeared in the public space after their canonization. Full text: Priests Ilarion Felea,…

Jul 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Maramureș Bishop comments on new canonizations: The time will come for Christian intellectuals and women confessors

Speaking about the recent canonizations by the Romanian Church, Bishop Justin of Maramureș and Sătmar said that only clerics have been canonized so far, but other categories of people will follow. “Many are saints. We cannot include them all in the calendar,” said the bishop. “Those included in the calendar are at the forefront of…

Jul 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Who are the 15 Venerables and Confessors proposed for canonization as part of the Romanian Patriarchate’s Centennial in 2025

The proposed canonization of fifteen Romanian venerables and confessors is a significant event in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church. This proclamation, set to take place next year, coincides with the Church’s centennial since its patriarchal status was recognized. The files are currently undergoing analysis and are awaiting approval by the Holy Synod of the Romanian…

May 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Who was Protos. Iraclie Flocea: Survivor of the Stalinist Gulag proposed for canonization

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church approved, in its working session from October 25, 2023, the proposal of the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia for the canonization of Protosyncellus Iraclie Flocea (May 11, 1893 – August 16, 1964). The proposal had previously been approved by the Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. The…

Nov 1, 2023Ștefana Totorcea

Oltenia Metropolis proposes three monastics for canonization

At its latest session at Lainici Monastery on August 6, the Metropolitan Synod of Oltenia discussed the proposals for the canonization of several holy men. During the meeting, the hierarchs approved the liturgical texts that will form the services for Fr. Gherasim (Iscu), Fr. Visarion (Toia), and Fr. John of Horezu, who are being proposed…

Aug 16, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Arad Theology Faculty rejoices in upcoming canonization of Fr Ilarion Felea

The approval of the local arguments regarding the canonization proposal of Father Ilarion Felea by the Synod of the Metropolis of Banat is a “gratifying fact for those who knew him, read his biography and pastoral-missionary theological work,” the dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Arad, Fr. Cristinel Ioja, told Basilica.ro. “A joy…

Oct 4, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Synod of Cluj Metropolis approves arguments for Fr Liviu Galaction Munteanu’s canonization

The hierarchs of the Metropolis of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj met last week at the metropolitan residence in Cluj-Napoca. The agenda included the canonization file of Professor Rev. Liviu Galaction Munteanu, a martyr of the communist prisons. The hierarchs approved the local arguments for his canonization in 2025. His Eminence Metropolitan Andrei chaired the meeting…

Oct 4, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Elders Paisie Olaru, Ilie Cleopa and Dionisie Ignat proposed for canonization: Metropolitan Teofan

Elders Paisie Olaru, Ilie Cleopa and Dionisie the Blind from the Colciu Cell of Vatopaidi Monastery are proposed for canonization, announced Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina on Friday. The declaration was offered during the hierarch’s visit to a church in the city of Botoşani. „We hope that some time – because we do not…

Aug 3, 2021Ștefana Totorcea

Tismana Abbess about Elder Gherasim Iscu’s canonization: We feel him as a father and protector

“We welcome with great joy this decision of the Holy Synod,” Nun Antonia Popescu, abbess of Tismana Monastery, told Basilica.ro upon receiving the news that Archimandrite Gherasim Iscu is one of the confessors proposed for canonization. Father Gherasim was the last abbot of the monastery before it turned into a women’s monastery. “Father was a…

Mar 17, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu