martyrs and confessors of Communist prisons

Romanian Orthodox Church adds St Gabriel the Confessor of Georgia to liturgical calendar

Saint Gabriel the Confessor and Fool for Christ of Georgia has been added to the calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Church, following a decision approved by the Holy Synod during its working session at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest last week. The Synod also approved the liturgical texts dedicated to the saint, who will be…

Jun 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolis of Bessarabia proclaims local canonisation of Saint Blandina of Iași

The Metropolis of Bessarabia held the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Blandina the Confessor of Iași at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Chișinău on Saturday. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia together with Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube, Bishops Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia,…

May 25, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks National Day honouring victims of communist prisons

Romania’s National Day, honouring the martyrs of the communist prisons, is observed annually on 14 May in memory of the thousands of people arrested by the totalitarian regime, according to Agerpres. The date was chosen to commemorate the night of 14–15 May 1948, when the communist authorities launched one of the largest waves of political…

May 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

“A life of crucifixions and resurrections”: Metropolitan Irineu’s message at local canonisation of Saint Bessarion of Lainici

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia said on Sunday at Lainici Monastery that Saint Bessarion of Lainici received the crown of martyrdom and holiness for his life dedicated to Christ. Speaking during the local proclamation of the canonisation of the Holy Venerable Martyr Bessarion of Lainici, Metropolitan Irineu recalled that from a young age, “Saint Bessarion passed…

Nov 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Small Digital Matericon: Romanian Women Who Loved God (I)

In anticipation of the year 2026, declared the Commemorative Year of Holy Women in the Calendar by the Romanian Patriarchate, we turn our attention to several notable figures of Romanian women who lived their lives with deep faith and dedication to God, becoming models of holiness. These women, through their virtuous lives, left a lasting…

Jun 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

May 14: Romania marks National Day honouring martyrs who suffered in communist prisons

Romania’s martyrs from communist prisons are annually remembered on a National Day marked on May 14. In remembrance of the thousands of young people, intellectuals, theologians, and citizens of various social classes who opposed the communist regime and were detained between the nights of May 14 and 15, 1948, this day was established. A considerable…

May 14, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Oltenia Metropolis proposes three monastics for canonization

At its latest session at Lainici Monastery on August 6, the Metropolitan Synod of Oltenia discussed the proposals for the canonization of several holy men. During the meeting, the hierarchs approved the liturgical texts that will form the services for Fr. Gherasim (Iscu), Fr. Visarion (Toia), and Fr. John of Horezu, who are being proposed…

Aug 16, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania: Church of Martyrs and Confessors of Communist Prisons consecrated in Târgu Ocna

The Church of Martyrs and Confessors of Communist Prisons built within the National School for Prison Officers in Târgu Ocna, Romania, was consecrated on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The ceremony was part of a series of events marking 25 years since the establishment of this institution, which chose Martyr Prince Constantine Brâncoveanu as its spiritual patron.…

May 25, 2022Ștefana Totorcea