humanitarian aid

Romanian Orthodox Metropolis expands earthquake relief effort in Venezuela

The Mission Fund of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas has provided substantial financial assistance to support humanitarian relief operations in Venezuela, which was struck by a devastating earthquake last week. In just three days, the Romanian Orthodox Parish of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen in Caracas prepared and distributed 2,500 hot meals.…

Jul 1, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas: My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Venezuelan people

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas issued a message of compassion and called for prayer on Thursday following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, in which hundreds of people lost their lives, and thousands more were injured. “In these days of trial, my thoughts and prayers are with the entire…

Jun 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Diaconia reached 70 communities and mobilised 1,200 volunteers in Republic of Moldova last year

The Social Mission Diaconia expanded its activities across the Republic of Moldova throughout 2025, reaching 70 communities and mobilising more than 1,200 volunteers. The social service arm of the Metropolis of Bessarabia supported 26,564 beneficiaries last year through 18 projects. According to the annual report, Diaconia volunteers responded to local community needs, while community centres…

Jun 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate, Foreign Ministry launch €50,000 aid initiative for Gaza Christians and vulnerable civilians

The Romanian Patriarchate and Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) have announced a €50,000 financial contribution to support the Christian community in the Gaza Strip, as well as other individuals and communities facing severe humanitarian hardship. The humanitarian assistance initiative complements Romania’s ongoing efforts to support the civilian population in Gaza. The project, officially titled…

Jun 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Southern Bessarabia diocese donates mobile hospital to Ukraine’s Odesa region

The Diocese of Southern Bessarabia donated a mobile hospital to Ukraine’s Odesa region, with the official handover ceremony taking place on Saturday, when Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia presented the vehicle to the regional administration. During the visit, the bishop was accompanied by Claudiu Tătaru, Romania’s Consul General in Odesa; Alexandrin Moiseev, a member of…

Jan 27, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate expresses sorrow, offers aid after deadly apartment explosion in Bucharest

With deep sorrow, we learned of the tragic event that occurred this morning on Rahovei Avenue in Bucharest, where a powerful explosion in a residential building caused the collapse of two floors and affected the lives of many families. In these moments of trial, the Romanian Patriarchate joins in prayer and expresses its compassion for…

Oct 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate and IOCC expand aid for displaced Syrians and victims of church bombing

Following the decision of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to expand its support for Syrian victims affected by the 2023 earthquake, representatives of the organisation conducted a field visit last week, joined by Patriarchal Counsellor Fr. Ciprian Ioniță, Coordinator of the Social-Philanthropic Department of the Romanian Patriarchate. The IOCC team overseeing local humanitarian activities…

Oct 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Communique: Romanian Orthodox Church has supported Ukrainians with over 5 million euros so far

The Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate published details on the support provided by the Romanian Orthodox Church for the victims of the war in Ukraine during March 18-24, 2022, and communicated the total amount of support provided so far: it exceeds 5.2 million euros (26 million lei). Full text of the communique: Humanitarian aid…

Mar 31, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

ACT Alliance, WCC delegation meets with Bishop of Maramureș with a focus on refugee crisis

His Grace Bishop Justin of Maramureș and Sătmar welcomed a delegation from ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches at the diocesan centre in Baia Mare last week. The delegation visited Hungary, Ukraine and Romania on 14-18 March, focusing on humanitarian needs and church response. The Diocese of Maramureș and Sătmar is one of…

Mar 22, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Humanitarian aid for Ukraine war victims provided by the Romanian Orthodox Church

Against the dramatic background of the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the humanitarian catastrophe it has caused, the Romanian Orthodox Church has been mobilized since the early days of this conflict unleashed by Russia against an independent and sovereign country, providing considerable aid to Ukrainian refugees who arrived on the territory of Romania, in…

Mar 14, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch John of Antioch: Churches are restored in Syria despite the war

In an interview with Russia’s international news agency RIA, His Beatitude John, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, speaks about the current situation in Syria and the restoration of the country’s places of worship. He points out that both the terrorist acts and the war in Syria have no ties to “any particular religion or…

Feb 13, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu