Israel-Iran Conflict

Holy Fire from Jerusalem to be flown to Romania on special flight amid security restrictions

The Holy Fire from Jerusalem will be brought to Romania on a special flight on Holy Saturday, following an agreement secured with the support of Romanian and Israeli authorities. Archimandrite Ioan Meiu, representative of the Romanian Patriarchate to the Holy Land, said the Romanian delegation had received the necessary approvals to transport the Holy Fire.…

Apr 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian pilgrims return home safely after evacuation from Israel via Egypt

Romanian pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău returned home safely on Tuesday morning after being evacuated from Israel amid rising regional tensions, the group’s escort said. Father Valentin Chircu, who accompanied the pilgrims, told Basilica.ro that the tense moments began on the final day of the planned pilgrimage. “While we were attending the…

Mar 4, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate representation assists pilgrims in Israel as airspace closes amid security tensions

The Romanian Patriarchate’s Representation to the Holy Places is providing assistance to Romanian pilgrims currently in Israel, amid heightened security tensions and the temporary closure of the country’s airspace. The situation deteriorated on Friday morning, when air raid sirens were activated and several rockets launched from Iran were intercepted by defense systems, according to Agerpres.…

Mar 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian religious missions in Holy Land safe amid Israel-Iran conflict, Church representative says

“In the context of the recent acts of war unfolding in the Holy Land, we inform you that our Romanian settlements in the Holy Land — the Representation in Jerusalem and the Romanian Settlement in the biblical city of Jericho — are safe,” announced Archimandrite Teofil Anăstăsoaie, the representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in the…

Jun 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu