Church history

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada to mark 10th anniversary with liturgical and cultural events

The Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada marks this year a decade since its establishment, with a series of religious and cultural events scheduled for 8–10 May. The celebrations will take place at the Cathedral of Saint George the Great Martyr and Saints Epictetus and Astion in Saint-Hubert, Canada. Anniversary Programme The programme will open on…

May 1, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Ecumenical Patriarchate issues encyclical for 1,400-Year Jubilee of Akathist Hymn: The sweetest delight of Christians

The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued an encyclical marking the 1,400th anniversary of the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, regarded as the first such hymnographic composition in the history of the Church. The hierarchs described the Akathist as “the most beloved hymn of our liturgical life, the sweetest delight of…

Mar 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Sunday of Orthodoxy Encyclical 2026: Church affirms the unique and eternal value of every person

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy—the first Sunday of Great Lent—the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church released its annual pastoral encyclical, signed by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel and all members of the Synod. The letter, traditionally read in every parish during the Divine Liturgy, centres on the theme: “Man is the living icon of…

Feb 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Short biographies of Romanian Orthodox bishops who aided Jews during the Holocaust, 1941–1944

In observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, historian Dr George Enache presents a collection of short biographies documenting Romanian Orthodox bishops who supported and protected Jewish communities during the Holocaust, 1941–1944. Dr George Enache is a Professor at the Faculty of History, Philosophy, and Theology of the University of Lower Danube in Galați, Romania. Rooted…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Five key figures behind the founding of the Romanian Patriarchate

In 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church marks a century since one of the most significant milestones in its modern history: the elevation to the rank of Patriarchate. This centennial year offers not only a celebration of ecclesiastical achievement but also an opportunity to honour the spiritual, cultural, and national vision that shaped the Patriarchate’s foundation…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Romania’s Patriarch Teoctist: 18 years after his passing

It has been eighteen years since Patriarch Teoctist of Romania passed away on July 30, 2007, at the age of 92. Born Toader Arăpașu on February 7, 1915, in the village of Tocileni, Botoșani County, he was the tenth child of Dumitru and Marghioala Arăpașu, raised in a large and devout Orthodox family. From a young…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

100 years since Ecumenical Patriarchate endorsed Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate

A century ago, on July 30, 1925, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued the synodal tomos officially recognising the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate. This recognition affirmed the decision made by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on February 4, 1925. Following canonical provisions, the decision of the Holy Synod was communicated…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church launches digital archive of over 60,000 cultural artifacts

The Romanian Patriarchate has launched a major project to digitise the cultural heritage of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Romanians will gain online access to over 60,000 historical books, manuscripts, documents, and other valuable items from churches across the country. The project will scan and digitally preserve 60,015 historical, artistic, and documentary items dating from the…

Jul 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Sibiu marks 119 years since Cathedral inspired by Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia was inaugurated

Tuesday marks 119 years since the inauguration of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Sibiu, according to Turnul Sfatului. The initiative to build the cathedral belonged to Saint Andrew Șaguna, who also made the most substantial financial contribution—2,000 florins. The winning design, titled “Constantine and Helen – Hagia Sophia,” was submitted by architect József Kommer of Budapest and…

May 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Patriarch Iustin Moisescu on his 115th birth anniversary: A pillar of Romanian theological renewal

Wednesday marks 115 years since the birth of the late Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, who led the Romanian Orthodox Church as its fourth Patriarch. Born on March 5, 1910, in Cândești, then part of Muscel County (now Argeș County), he lost his father at a young age in the War of Reunification. Academic Excellence and Theological…

Mar 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate unveils new icon of the Assembly of Romanian Saints for Centennial celebration

On New Year’s Day, during the proclamation of the Solemn Year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Commemorative Year of Romanian Orthodox Spiritual Fathers and Confessors of the 20th Century, a new icon titled “The Assembly of Romanian Saints” was presented, marking this jubilee year. The artwork, measuring 90 x 60 cm,…

Jan 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu