Metropolis of Oltenia

Saint Irodion honoured at Lainici Monastery as hierarchs highlight his miraculous intercession

Saint Irodion was commemorated on Sunday at Lainici Monastery, on the Jiu Valley, Romania, which he led as abbot for 41 years. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia, together with Archbishop Varsanufie of Râmnic, and Bishops Nicodim of Severin and Strehaia, Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, Sebastian of Slatina and Romanați, and…

May 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint Antonina of Tismana uncovered in solemn rite at historic monastery

The relics of Saint Antonina of Tismana were uncovered on Monday during a solemn rite at Tismana Monastery, with Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia saying the newly canonised saint “lived a truly holy and spiritual life, preserving her silence and purity.” His Eminence underscored the significance of the moment: “With God’s help, we are fulfilling the…

Apr 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Callinicus of Cernica hailed as witness to Resurrection at monastery in southern Romania

“Saint Callinicus is also a witness of the Resurrection. He passed to the Lord on the very day of Easter; therefore, he is a witness to the unending light of the Kingdom of God,” Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia said at Frăsinei Monastery in Vâlcea County, which honoured the saint as its founder. “Saint Callinicus of…

Apr 16, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Oltenia metropolitan says ‘all creation is renewed’ at Agape Vespers in Craiova

Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia officiated the Paschal Agape Vespers, also known as the “Second Resurrection,” on Easter Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Craiova, saying that “all creation is renewed” on this day. In his sermon, the metropolitan explained why the Resurrection of the Lord is regarded as the “Feast of feasts.” “The Resurrection of…

Apr 15, 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

First Celebration of Saint Gerasimus of Tismana: He overcame sins and passions through holiness

Recently canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Venerable Martyr Gerasimus was celebrated for the first time last week at Tismana Monastery in Gorj County, alongside Saint Nicodemus, the founder of the monastic settlement. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia, who highlighted the similarities between…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Media meeting in the Metropolis of Oltenia: Combating fake news and enhancing church communication

Last week, His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia chaired a meeting with media representatives from the Metropolis of Oltenia. The discussions focused on adopting modern communication tools and combating the spreading of fake news. Emphasis on Responsibility in Communication His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu highlighted the importance of responsibility in disseminating information and the media’s role…

Dec 16, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of St Nephon the Patriarch of Constantinople moved to new silver reliquary

The Honourable Head and the right hand of Saint Nephon II the Patriarch of Constantinople, which are kept at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Craiova, were moved to a new silver reliquary last Sunday. The new reliquary was blessed by His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu of Craiova on July 14 following the Divine Liturgy. St Nephon’s holy…

Jul 17, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu