coronavirus epidemic

Basilica Photos: Sunday of Orthodoxy at Bucharest Patriarchal Cathedral 2021

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, to mark the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 21, 2021. Concelebrants included Their Graces the patriarchal auxiliary bishop Varlaam of Ploiești and Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova. In his sermon, the Patriarch of Romania spoke of the three roles of holy…

Mar 23, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Feast of St Charalampos, protector against the plague, celebrated in Bucharest

The feast of Saint Charalampos began at Oţetari Church in Bucharest with a procession with the hieromartyr’s relics, led by Dean Rev. Mihai Popescu and Parish Priest Cătălin Ciocan. The relics of the saint, considered a protector against the plague, were donated in 1866 by Primate Metropolitan Nifon, who was baptized at Oţetari Church. “I…

Feb 18, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Anti-Covid vaccination oscillates between hesitation and hope: Romanian Patriarchate Spokesperson

For a successful anti-Covid vaccination campaign, it is necessary to inform the public correctly about some aspects, such as the voluntary, free and safe nature of the vaccination act, the fact that it is a right, not an obligation. Regarding the “safety of the vaccination process”, those who have the professional and moral authority to…

Dec 22, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

I too proclaim to you with the angel that God is with us, that God has not forsaken us: Metropolitan Nicolae in Christmas pastoral letter

This year’s pastoral letter for Christmas by the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas is a message of encouragement in the face of sickness and death. “At this glorious feast, I too proclaim to you with the angel that God is with us, that God has not forsaken us, that God has not forgotten His…

Dec 22, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s name day: Religious freedom is the freedom to seek eternal life

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel celebrated his name day last Thursday, on the feast day of the Holy Prophet Daniel, holding a festive moment at the Europa Christiana Hall of the Patriarchate’s Palace. His Beatitude spoke about the service of the Church as a loving response to God’s unique calling. The Patriarch also stressed that religious…

Dec 22, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch of Romania: We have never received something as a gift in our history. Everything was obtained through sacrifice

‘The union of Romanians in a single national unitary state was accomplished after centuries of suffering, many spiritual and material sacrifices, sacrifices of human lives,’ Patriarch Daniel stressed during a Te Deum service at the Patriarchal Cathedral celebrating Romania’s National Day on Tuesday. The Patriarch underlined that Romania’s Great Union was not a random event,…

Dec 1, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

St John the New’s relics tour Suceava County to ward off coronavirus

The holy relics of Saint John the New of Suceava toured the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți at the beginning of this week ‘to bring again the belief that we are not alone and that the saints protect us and intercede with God on our behalf,’ assistant bishop Damaschin of Dorna noted in a message…

Nov 26, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Three-day mourning in Serbia after Patriarch Irinej’s death

Three days of mourning have been declared in Serbia for the death of Patriarch Irinej. “On the occasion of the death of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Mr. Irinej, the government of the Republic of Serbia at today’s session made a decision to declare three days of mourning in the Republic of Serbia from today, 20…

Nov 21, 2020Gheorghe Anghel

Romanian Patriarchate urges people to donate blood and COVID-19 convalescent plasma

With the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, in 2012 the Archdiocese of Bucharest started a blood donation campaign called “A drop of blood for the life of his neighbour”. Starting with 2014, with the approval of the Holy Synod, this campaign was extended nationwide throughout the Romanian Patriarchate under the slogan “Donate blood, save…

Nov 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel sends condolences to Serbian Holy Synod after repose of Patriarch Irinej

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel expressed his ‘deep sorrow’ to the Holy Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church after the repose of Patriarch Irinej on Friday. Calling the Serbian Patriarch ‘a venerable and well-known personality of contemporary Orthodoxy,’ Patriarch Daniel prays for the rest of his soul among the righteous ‘in the light, peace and love…

Nov 20, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

The Week in Pictures: November 9 – 15, 2020

Last week’s selection of pictures is marked by colourful autumn landscapes, church celebrations and joyful communion. Last week’s most-liked Instagram post:   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Basilica News Agency (@basilica.ro) Do you want to be featured in our weekly selection of photos? We would gladly include one of your…

Nov 17, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu