Commemorative Year 2026

First church in Bessarabia dedicated to Saint Blandina of Iași consecrated in Cimișlia

The first church in Bessarabia dedicated to Saint Blandina of Iași was consecrated on Sunday in Cimișlia, the Republic of Moldova. The church is also placed under the protection of Saint Nicholas and Saint Eudokia. The consecration service and Divine Liturgy were celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia together with Archbishop Casian of the Lower…

May 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel urges stronger pastoral support for Christian families

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church on Monday called for renewed pastoral support for the Christian family, warning that contemporary society faces profound spiritual, demographic, and moral crises that threaten family life and the transmission of faith between generations. The Patriarch delivered the message at the opening of the spring pastoral and…

May 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian women in history: Dr. Ana Aslan, founder of geriatrics and pioneer of anti-ageing medicine

Wednesday, May 20, marked 38 years since the repose of Dr Ana Aslan, founder of gerontology and geriatrics, medical fields dedicated to treating the effects of ageing. She established in Bucharest the world’s first institute devoted to this speciality and treated some of the most prominent names in global politics and show business. Ana Aslan…

May 25, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolis of Bessarabia proclaims local canonisation of Saint Blandina of Iași

The Metropolis of Bessarabia held the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Blandina the Confessor of Iași at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Chișinău on Saturday. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia together with Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube, Bishops Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia,…

May 25, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint Olympias, mother of St Petronius the Prodromite, uncovered in Romania

The relics of Saint Olympias of Fărcașa, mother of Saint Petronius of Prodromos Skete on Mount Athos, were uncovered on Monday in Fărcașa, Neamț County, Romania. The event took place in the presence of His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe, His Grace Assistant Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani from the Archdiocese of Iași, Archimandrite Petroniu…

May 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church locally proclaims canonisation of Saint Blandina of Iași

The local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Blandina the Confessor took place on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iași. The solemn event was held at the end of the Divine Liturgy celebrated by an assembly of seven hierarchs led by Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina. The Synodal Tomos proclaiming the canonisation was…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Local proclamation of Saint Blandina’s canonisation to take place in Iași this Sunday

The local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Blandina will take place on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iași, the Press Office of the Archdiocese of Iași announced. The liturgical programme will begin on the eve of the solemn event, at 4:00 p.m., with the vigil service in honour of the saint. The local…

May 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Local proclamation of Saint Matrona of Hurezi’s canonisation held at Hurezi Monastery

“She truly passed through great struggles and ascetic labours,” said Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia on Tuesday, May 5, at the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Matrona of Hurezi. His Eminence highlighted the saint’s life of asceticism and total dedication, underlining that she was pleasing to God through her entire way of life. “Saint…

May 12, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Local proclamation of Saint Mavra of Ceahlău’s canonisation held at Durău Monastery

“We give thanks to God for this great gift that He has bestowed upon Moldavia,” said Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina on Monday, May 4, at the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Mavra of Ceahlău. His Eminence also expressed gratitude to Patriarch Daniel of Romania, who blessed the proposal for the canonisation…

May 12, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Women’s Association in America sets future mission priorities at Canada Congress

The Romanian Orthodox Women of America established its future missionary priorities and objectives during the AROLA Congress, held from 1–3 May at Mono Monastery. The event began on Friday, May 1, with the official opening, followed by the supplicatory canon to the Mother of God. The following day commenced with Matins and the Divine Liturgy,…

May 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel hails Saint Mavra of Ceahlău as icon of unceasing prayer and steadfast humility

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania on Monday delivered a message marking the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Mavra of Ceahlău, presenting the 17th–18th century ascetic as a model of unceasing prayer and humility for contemporary believers. In his address, the Patriarch highlighted the saint’s role in the early development of hesychast spirituality…

May 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu