Coronavirus pandemic

Bishop Justin suggests reading the Paraklesis to the Theotokos to ward off the coronavirus

“I urge you with fatherly love to kneel together in the evening, at the service of the Paraklesis to the Theotokos,” Bishop Justin of Maramures wrote in a message at the beginning of the Dormition Fast hoping the Mother of God will ward off the coronavirus. The Bishop of Maramures stressed that the supplicatory canon…

Aug 3, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Banat Metropolitan asks believers to pray for the sick and medical staff for Dormition Fast

His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat has urged clergy and believers to offer prayers for the sick and the medical staff during the Dormition Fast. He recalled that fasting consists of “estrangement from sin, self-control of the tongue, the checking of anger.” “Established by our Holy Church, since the fifth century, in honour of the…

Aug 3, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patron Saint of Infectious Diseases, Saint Nikephoros the Leper included in Romanian Orthodox Church’s calendar

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church resolved to introduce the name of Saint Nikephoros the Leper in its calendar. Orthodox believers have called for the intercession of a great number of wonderworking Saints during the coronavirus pandemic, but St Nikephoros the Leper was probably at the top of the list.  The Patriarch of…

Jul 26, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Bishops in Germany stress importance of Eucharist during Covid-19 crisis

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of Germany (OBKD) at its 22nd meeting stressed the importance of the Holy Eucharist during the Covid-19 crisis. The meeting took place on June 23, 2021, in Cologne, at the headquarters of the Orthodox Antiochian Metropolis of Germany and Central Europe, with the participation of representatives of the Greek,…

Jul 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel on World Social Media Day: A good word enlightens communication

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania has sent a message marking World Social Media Day 2021 highlighting responsible communication in the context of the challenges of today’s world. A good word enlightens communication: full text In the context of the pandemic, social networks proved to be a very useful missionary and pastoral means since, for…

Jun 30, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel urges parents, professors and priests to support students intensely at the end of a difficult school year

The Patriarch of Romania sent a message before the national examination and baccalaureate. Patriarch Daniel first addressed the young people to whom he stressed the importance of these exams for their development. He also urged parents, professors and priests in the parishes to support them more intensely at the end of this difficult school year.…

Jun 21, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

The pandemic could not darken the Day of Resurrection, which brings us peace and hope: Bishop of Covasna and Harghita

Bishop Andrei of Covasna and Harghita stressed that “the pandemic could not darken” the Resurrection of the Lord, “this day of light and grace”. He urged believers not to despair, to multiply good deeds, and to remain united in their families. “We all see and feel the distress and the fear of plagues, and that…

May 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Easing restrictions in the Holy Land following vaccination is a step to reopen pilgrimages: Patriarch Daniel

Patriarch Daniel said that the presence of the faithful at the Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem is encouraging. Last year, only clergy participated. Easing restrictions was made possible by the vaccination of a large percentage of Israel’s population and is a step toward a possible reopening of pilgrimages, His Beatitude said May 1, 2021. “In…

May 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Believers attend Easter vigil at Brasov Council Square, pictures go viral

The priests from the Orthodox Cathedral in Brasov officiated the Resurrection Service at an outdoor altar at the Council Square. The sanitary measures were implemented in collaboration with local authorities to avoid the congestion on Easter night and to reduce the risk of infection with the new coronavirus. The service was attended by hundreds of…

May 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

Christ’s Resurrection heals us from sorrow, Patriarch Daniel says at Easter Vigil

Celebrating the 13th Easter of his patriarchal ministry, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel delivered a homily at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, reflecting on the joy and peace that the Resurrection of Christ offers us, thus driving away our sadness and sorrow. “The resurrection,” said the Patriarch, “is for us a cure for sorrow.” His…

May 3, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

The pandemic is a significant examination for us all, Transylvania Metropolitan says

“This pandemic is a significant examination for all of us, in which the fear of death and the legal rigours of isolation must be overcome by trusting in God’s help,” His Eminence Metropolitan Laurenţiu of Transylvania said in an interview for a local publication. “Through this examination,” the Metropolitan explained, “we realized once again how…

Apr 15, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu