Modern-day saints

Romanian Patriarchate to celebrate its Centennial with special liturgical events at the Patriarchal Cathedral

The liturgical events at the Patriarchal Cathedral marking the Centennial Anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate will take place according to the following schedule: On Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM, after the conclusion of Vespers, a final memorial service will be held at the Patriarchal Cathedral in honor of the 16 Romanian saints who…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Three weeks until historic proclamation of new Romanian Saints for 2025 Centennial

Last year, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church approved the canonization of sixteen 20th-century confessors and spiritual fathers. Their canonization will be publicly proclaimed as part of the program for the Centennial Year of the Romanian Patriarchate—2025. This year, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates 140 years since obtaining autocephaly and 100 years since being…

Jan 14, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Serafim of Germany uses his Christmas message to glorify God for revealing modern Romanian Saints

The Christmas Pastoral Letter of His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, briefly presents the life of eight of the sixteen newly canonized Romanian Saints – those His Eminence knew. “Let us give glory to the good God who has raised so many saints from our people who pray for us, interceding…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Cypriots show devotion to modern Romanian venerables: PHOTOS

Last week, the Romanian delegation that brought the relics of Saint Cyprian to a parish in Cyprus witnessed the devotion that contemporary Romanian saints and venerable monastics enjoy on the island. Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol personally spoke highly of Romanian holy monks he met at Mount Athos. The Romanian delegation also noted that several monasteries…

Sep 12, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

August 23: A day to honour the victims of totalitarian regimes and recognize modern Orthodox Saints

Since 2008, August 23rd has been observed as the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism. In Romania, this day has also been designated as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Fascism and Communism by Law No. 198/2011. Many victims of totalitarian regimes suffered because they valued their faith more…

Aug 23, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Venerable Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery, the first 21st-century Orthodox Saint canonized

The Romanian Orthodox Church has canonized sixteen new saints during the synodal sessions held on July 11-12. Among these, Venerable Sofian of St Anthimos Monastery stands out as the first Orthodox saint to have lived in the 21st century. Saint Sofian Boghiu Saint Sofian (Serghei Boghiu) was born on October 7, 1912, in Cuconeștii Vechi,…

Jul 15, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Who are the 15 Venerables and Confessors proposed for canonization as part of the Romanian Patriarchate’s Centennial in 2025

The proposed canonization of fifteen Romanian venerables and confessors is a significant event in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church. This proclamation, set to take place next year, coincides with the Church’s centennial since its patriarchal status was recognized. The files are currently undergoing analysis and are awaiting approval by the Holy Synod of the Romanian…

May 9, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Father Dumitru Stăniloae’s 120th birth anniversary

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Father Dumitru Stăniloae, one of the greatest Romanian theologians. Father Dumitru Stăniloae was proposed for canonization in 2025, when the Romanian Orthodox Church will celebrate 140 years of autocephaly and 100 years since obtaining the status of a patriarchate. A museum will be set up for the…

Nov 16, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

30th anniversary of Father Dumitru Staniloae’s blessed repose

Thirty years ago, on the night of October 4 to 5, Father Dumitru Stăniloae reposed in the Lord. The famous Romanian theologian is on the path to sainthood because he lived a virtuous life and endured torment for professing his faith during the atheistic communist regime. Priest Dumitru Stăniloae and several confessors will most likely…

Oct 5, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Banat Metropolitan reveals first icon of soon-to-be-saint Calistrat Bobu

During the diocesan assembly of the Archdiocese of Timisoara, His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat presented the first icon of Elder Calistrat Bobu, whose canonisation is being considered by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Two years ago, the Holy Synod started the process of canonisation of several priests and monks who professed…

Jan 26, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of soon-to-be canonised Romanian Athonite Elder exhumed

The Patriarch of Romania delegated Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova to attend the exhumation ceremony of the relics of Elder Dionisie Ignat, which took place at St George Cell of Colciu Skete on Mount Athos last week. The monks of Vatopedi Monastery, on whose territory the cell where Father Dionisie Ignat lived, unearthed the relics…

Nov 22, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu