interfaith dialogue

Romanian Orthodox parish joins Heidelberg’s new interfaith dialogue forum

The Romanian Orthodox ‘Holy Trinity’ Parish in Heidelberg, Germany, has been invited to join the Heidelberger Dialog der Religionen (“Heidelberg Dialogue of Religions”), a forum established by the city’s administration to bring together representatives of the city’s major religious communities. According to the City of Heidelberg, the initiative aims to bring together representatives of the…

Jul 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

UN marks first week of February as World Interfaith Harmony Week

The first week of February (1–7 February) is observed annually by the United Nations as World Interfaith Harmony Week. The initiative was proposed at the UN General Assembly on 23 September 2010 by King Abdullah II of Jordan and was adopted unanimously on 20 October 2010. The initiative is rooted in the 2007 A Common…

Feb 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel calls for shared responsibility in promoting interfaith dialogue

Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Daniel has called for “shared responsibility” among religious communities and state institutions in promoting mutual respect, social peace and interreligious dialogue, warning that antisemitism, xenophobia and all forms of intolerance have no place in public life. In a message addressed to a working meeting between representatives of Romania’s recognised religious denominations and…

Jan 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Over 5 billion live under religious discrimination, interfaith dialogue seen as remedy

More than two-thirds of the world’s population lives in countries where religious freedom is restricted or violated, according to a 2025 report published by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN International). The document notes that interreligious dialogue and cooperation between communities can help reduce discrimination and promote social peace. Analysing the situation in 196…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Christian and Muslim leaders mark 10 years of Aqaba Process at Jordan Conference

Christian and Muslim religious leaders from the Balkans and the Middle East gathered last week in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to mark the 10th anniversary of the Aqaba Process, an international initiative aimed at promoting interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The international conference, titled “The Aqaba Process – Balkan Interreligious Dialogue,” was held on…

Dec 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Church media journalists attend training on combating antisemitism and hate speech

Journalists from the Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate participated from November 10 to November 13 in a training course aimed at combating antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech in the public sphere. Organised by the Department for Interethnic Relations of the Romanian Government in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs, the…

Nov 15, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Holy Synod secretary receives Armenian Church honour during Cathedral Jubilee

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, the Holy Synod’s general secretary, received on Sunday the Archangels Michael and Gabriel Medal from the Armenian Church Diocese in Romania. The distinction was presented by Bishop Datev Hagopian, Head of the Armenian Archdiocese in Romania, during the reconsecration of the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Archangels Michael and…

Nov 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarch Daniel meets U.S. Presidential Envoy Paolo Zampolli in Bucharest

Romanian Patriarch Daniel met on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with Ambassador Paolo Zampolli, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships, during a visit to the Patriarchal Residence in Bucharest. Patriarch Daniel welcomed Ambassador Zampolli to the Romanian Patriarchate and expressed appreciation for the fact that U.S. President Donald Trump is a protector and promoter…

Aug 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian hierarchs meet pope Leo XIV: He showed openness, sympathy and goodwill

Two hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church were present on Monday at the meeting of Pope Leo XIV with delegations from various confessions and religions who had attended Sunday’s official inauguration of His Holiness’ pontificate. Metropolitan Joseph of Western and Southern Europe and Bishop Siluan of Italy congratulated the new Pope on behalf of the…

May 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu