old calendar

Metropolitan of Bessarabia on Dormition Fast: ‘Through fasting, we learn to say no to the passions’

The Dormition Fast began on Friday, 14 August, for Orthodox Christians following the unrevised Julian calendar. On this occasion, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia issued a message urging the faithful to use the fasting period to strengthen themselves spiritually. “God gives us these days to prepare ourselves to understand the great mystery of the…

Aug 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox Christians following unrevised Julian calendar begin Dormition Fast

Orthodox Christians who follow the unrevised calendar begin the Dormition Fast on Friday, 14 August, a two-week period that ends in late August. It is one of the year’s strictest fasting periods, comparable to the Great Lent before Easter. During this period, meat, eggs and dairy products are not consumed, while fish is permitted only…

Aug 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Dormition Fast begins on Old Calendar: Traditions from Romania’s border communities to Orthodox faithful worldwide

Most Romanian communities around Romania’s borders, as well as Orthodox faithful in other parts of the world, follow the unrevised calendar and are preparing for the Dormition Fast, which begins on Thursday, August 14. Popularly known as “Saint Mary’s Fast,” it is meant to be quite strict, as it culminates with the Dormition of the…

Aug 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru urges kindness, aid, and prayer for the needy in his Christmas encyclical

“Let us offer those in need a kind word, material aid, or a prayer, fulfilling the words of the Savior: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me,’” urged Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia in his pastoral letter for the celebration of the Nativity of…

Jan 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop of Southern Bessarabia’s Christmas pastoral letter: A call to compassion and unity

In his pastoral letter for Christmas, which is celebrated in the Metropolis of Bessarabia on January 7 according to the unrevised Julian calendar, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia urged believers to embody God’s compassionate love for those in suffering. “Let us become the hands of God’s merciful love for our neighbors in distress, and like…

Jan 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia encourages spiritual peace at beginning of old calendar Nativity Fast

“During these holy days, we are called to withdraw from the noise of the world, from conflicts and disturbances, and seek spiritual peace – hesychia – so cherished by the Holy Fathers,” said Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia on Thursday, the first day of the Nativity Fast according to the unrevised calendar. In his message, the…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian historical communities begin Nativity Fast according to Old Calendar

The Nativity Fast begins on Thursday in most Romanian historical communities following the unrevised calendar. While Romanians in Romania commemorate St. Stephen the Younger and St. Irinarch on this day, most Romanians beyond the borders honour St. Paisius Velichkovsky of Neamț and Saints Gurias, Samonas and Habibus. Key feast days differ for those observing the old calendar.…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabia Metropolitan’s Christmas message: Priests contributed to the consolidation of communities

A few days before the old calendar Christmas celebration, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru sent a pastoral letter expressing his appreciation for the efforts of parish priests within the Metropolis of Bessarabia. “Another essential aspect of this year is the commendable efforts of the parish priests, who sacrificed themselves in every parish to serve the faithful,”…

Jan 6, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu