Coronavirus pandemic

Archdiocese of Iași: Grievous that Romanians can come here for any purpose except annual St. Parascheva pilgrimage

The feast of St. Parascheva the protectress of Moldova on October 14 is one of the largest religious celebrations in the liturgical calendar in the Romanian Orthodox Church. Every year, tens of thousands of Orthodox faithful flock to the city of Iași to venerate the saint’s precious relics. Last year, the weekend-long celebrations drew more than…

Oct 8, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel on 13th enthronement anniversary: Let us always thank God because we live permanently from His mercy

On his 13th enthronement anniversary, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel urged permanent thankfulness to God because ‘we live permanently from His help and mercy and feel His blessing.’ Work in communion The Patriarch confessed that in this period of patriarchal stewardship he felt ‘God’s blessing,’ especially through ‘the work in communion’: ‘what we accomplished together with…

Oct 1, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod recommends intensification of activities dedicated to families

During its working session on Tuesday, the Holy Synod recommended to the parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Church to intensify the activities dedicated to families. It urged the believers to cultivate Christian education and philanthropic spirit in their families and society through prayer and good deeds. Press release: New decisions of the Holy Synod of…

Sep 30, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel’s message for academic year 2020/21: “Students need more support from Family, School and Church”

In a message for the start of the new academic year 2020/2021, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel highlighted that given the health crisis caused by the new coronavirus, “young students need more support from the Family, School and Church to form themselves intellectually and professionally, but also spiritually and culturally.” The Patriarch noted that the Holy…

Sep 25, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel blesses beginning of new school year: Education is the fundamental priority of any society that wants development

In a message to all students, parents and teachers in pre-university education, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel conveyed his patriarchal blessings on the beginning of the new school year 2020-2021. The patriarch reminded of the decision of the Holy Synod to declare 2020 as solemn year of the pastoral care of parents and children in the…

Sep 9, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

30 pictures that captured the life of the Church during the pandemic

Tears, emotion, hope, humble joy and patience characterized the lives of Romanians during the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the special conditions in which the Church’s services took place in the last three months, the Basilica News Agency organized a photography contest entitled “The Life of the Church in Times of Pandemic.” Out of over 400 participants,…

Jul 13, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Blue Quarantine Story: Illustrations by Romanian artist show harsh reality of doctors during coronavirus outbreak

The Romanian artist Luminița Pătrățeanu created mindful illustrations that reflect on the world’s current situation and capture the harsh reality of doctors who sacrifice themselves to take care of people. The illustrations went on display this week at the Municipal Emergency Hospital in Moinesti under the title ‘Blue Quarantine Story.’ The outdoor exhibition was opened…

Jul 3, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

The life of the Church during the pandemic: Photo Gallery

The deepest liturgical period this year in Romania corresponded to the state of emergency due to the spread of the new Coronavirus. In the first phase, it was forbidden to officiate services in closed spaces, then the participation of the faithful was not allowed at all in the divine worship. The pain was all the…

Jun 17, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church offers 4470 tablets to help distance education: Communique

After providing more than 4.3 million euros during the coronavirus pandemic, the efforts of the Church and its organizations have focused on supporting children in distance education. Romanian Orthodox Church permanently supports the education of children and young people: full text In the context of the current pandemic, the Romanian Patriarchate offers tablets or other…

Jun 4, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel calls Christian family an icon of God’s love in the world, praises family role during pandemic

In a message for the Sunday of Parents and Children (June 7), Patriarch Daniel emphasizes the fundamental role that the family played during the coronavirus pandemic. His Beatitude called the family “a natural environment for raising and educating children for life.” “During this period, the time spent by parents with their children was greatly appreciated,…

May 29, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu

Religion professor creates animated video lessons to help children learn the Orthodox faith from home

The coronavirus pandemic did not only generate panic and fear. It was also the source of constructive, useful projects, a true materialization of Christian love and creativity. The “Minute of Religion” is one such example, an atypical way for a teacher to address his students on religious topics using short animated videos. “In the context…

May 27, 2020Aurelian Iftimiu