coronavirus epidemic

J.C. Larchet: The value of the Holy Communion does not depend on how it is offered to the faithful

In a recent interview, French theologian Jean-Claude Larchet, well-known to Romanians through his numerous books on illness and suffering, places the Covid-19 pandemic in historical context and discusses the challenges to religious practice which stemmed from it and spurred controversy among the Orthodox faithful. The extensive interview approaches hotly debated topics such as the issue…

Apr 21, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Pandemic journal, April 1-10 | New measures of support from the Romanian Orthodox Church in the COVID-19 crisis

In the second half of March and the first ten days of April 2020, the Romanian Orthodox Church invested over 2 million Euros (10 million ROL) in measures of support to combat the social effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Support actions continue, organized both at diocesan level and at grassroots level, in parishes who all…

Apr 19, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Romanian Patriarchate reaches agreement with Ministry of Internal Affairs for distribution of consecrated Easter bread and Holy Fire to believers

The Romanian Orthodox Church Wednesday reached an agreement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to allow church volunteers to distribute consecrated bread (Paști) and Holy Fire to believers on Easter night. The first form of the agreement signed on Tuesday was later amended by the two parts as epidemiologists expect the coronavirus pandemic to reach…

Apr 16, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s Easter Encyclical: Love has conquered death

In this year’s pastoral encyclical for Holy Pascha, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel highlights the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection noting that the faith in the resurrection ‘helps us not to lose our hope in the face of life’s hardships.’ ‘Let us ask more insistently for the help of the crucified and risen Christ, Who knows our…

Apr 14, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

CROCEU: Covid-19 is a critical occasion for Europe to prove solidarity

The Committee of the Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Institutions (CROCEU) has published a press release on the Coronavirus pandemic and its consequences on social, political and spiritual level. They say it is a great trial and also a unique opportunity to prove solidarity and change our lives. The CROCEU members present…

Apr 13, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Patriarch Daniel spreads message of hope on Palm Sunday: Christ will help us overcome the pandemic

Patriarch Daniel delivered a message of hope to a society living under the fear of the coronavirus pandemic, as he commemorated the glorious Entry into Jerusalem of Jesus Christ at the Divine Liturgy in the historical chapel of his patriarchal residence on April 12. The Patriarch of Romania noted that many people who stay at…

Apr 12, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Church intensifies prayer and action against coronavirus pandemic

The Romanian Patriarchate announced that over 1.48 million euros have been given to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the country. Church intensifies prayer and action to help those affected by pandemic: Full text In the context of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the state of national emergency, following the appeal of His…

Apr 9, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Statement by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America Concerning Holy Week and Easter

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (ACOB-USA) recommends further compliance with the sanitary norms for Covid-19 prevention during the following period, when Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday, the Holy Week and Easter. A recent declaration lists strong recommendations regarding religious services: they should be officiated only with a maximum…

Apr 7, 2020Ștefana Totorcea

Use deserted city and isolation for spiritual profit, Patriarch Daniel urges

‘We are called to prayer, humility and repentance to transform ourselves, to change the way we think, speak and are, the way we act, live and work,’ Patriarch Daniel said during his homily on the fifth Sunday of Lent. Speaking from the St George chapel of his patriarchal residence, the Patriarch of Romania referred to…

Apr 6, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

‘To Thee the Champion Leader’: 100 top voices minister peace to a struggling nation in viral video

A hundred church chanters formed a nationwide choir on Sunday teaming up for a communal singalong in honour of the Mother of God. The church singers found a way to record one of the most famous hymns of all, singing it individually, on their phones. Then the videos were combined into a virtual cell phone…

Apr 6, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Clergy tour Bucharest with relics of Saint Demetrios the New to halt the coronavirus pandemic: Video

The holy relics of Saint Demetrios the New were taken out of the Patriarchal Cathedral and driven on the streets of Bucharest in a procession of cars on Sunday to halt the coronavirus pandemic. The restricted procession of three cars was led by the patriarchal auxiliary bishop Varlaam of Ploiesti. The holy relics and icon…

Apr 6, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu