former Romanian Patriarchs

Forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu: A founder of Romanian theological culture

The Romanian Orthodox Church on Friday marks 40 years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, one of its most distinguished scholars and a major contributor to Romanian theological culture. Patriarch Iustin Moisescu was born on 5 March 1910 in the village of Cândești, Argeș County, Romania. He studied at the War Orphans’ Seminary in…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Nicodim Munteanu’s legacy as Bible translator and Orthodox scholar

Patriarch Nicodim Munteanu was responsible for almost the entire translation of the Romanian Bible published in 1944, in addition to producing dozens of translations and original theological works. Working directly from the Greek text of the Septuagint, Patriarch Nicodim translated fifty-one books of Holy Scripture into Romanian—twenty-four Old Testament books and the entire New Testament.…

Jun 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

On This Day: Metropolitan Nicodim Munteanu elected Patriarch of Romania in 1939

Eighty-seven years ago today, Metropolitan Nicodim Munteanu was elected Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, succeeding Patriarch Miron Cristea. Nicodim Munteanu was born Nicolae on 6 December 1864 in the village of Pipirig, Neamț County, into a devout farming family. At the age of fourteen, he entered the monastic community of Pocrov Skete near Neamț…

Jun 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch Justinian Marina commemorated 49 years after passing

Patriarch Justinian Marina was commemorated on Thursday, 49 years after his repose, at his tomb at Radu Vodă Monastery in Bucharest. The memorial service was officiated by Archimandrite Nectarie Șofelea, Abbot of the monastery and Administrative Exarch of the monasteries within the Archdiocese of Bucharest, who highlighted the difficult context of the communist regime during…

Mar 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

In pictures: Former Romanian Patriarchs Justin (†1986) and Teoctist (†2007) commemorated at the Patriarchal Cathedral

His Grace Varlaam of Ploiesti, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch, officiated July 29 a memorial service for the rest of the souls of the former Romanian Patriarchs Justin (†1986) and Teoctist (†2007). In his homily delivered Saturday at the Patriarchal Cathedral, Bishop Varlaam pointed to the fact that this year we commemorate Patriarch Justin’s 31st…

Jul 31, 2017Aurelian Iftimiu