Patriarch Teoctist

Patriarch Teoctist remembered 19 years after his repose

The Romanian Orthodox Church commemorates Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu on 30 July, marking 19 years since his repose in the Lord. Patriarch Teoctist of blessed memory reposed in the Lord on 30 July 2007, after 21 years as Patriarch of Romania and 57 years of episcopal ministry. Born Theodor Arăpașu on 7 February 1915 in the…

Jul 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Teoctist remembered at Putna as a defender of monasticism as a vital force of Orthodoxy

Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic, abbot of Putna Monastery, said last Saturday that Patriarch Teoctist viewed monastic life “not as a relic of the past, but as a vital, regenerating force of Romanian Orthodoxy”, as the monastery’s brotherhood officiated a memorial service marking 111 years since the former patriarch’s birth. “He loved monasticism, because he himself remained,…

Feb 10, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church designates 2027 as year of remembrance for Patriarchs Justinian and Teoctist

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church announced that 2027 has been designated a Commemorative Year in honour of the Patriarchs Justinian Marina (1948–1977) and Teoctist Arăpașu (1986–2007). The decision was approved on the eve of the 111th anniversary of the late Patriarch Teoctist’s birth. The two Primates led the Romanian Orthodox Church during…

Feb 10, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Romania’s Patriarch Teoctist: 18 years after his passing

It has been eighteen years since Patriarch Teoctist of Romania passed away on July 30, 2007, at the age of 92. Born Toader Arăpașu on February 7, 1915, in the village of Tocileni, Botoșani County, he was the tenth child of Dumitru and Marghioala Arăpașu, raised in a large and devout Orthodox family. From a young…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Remembering Patriarch Teoctist on the 17th anniversary of his blessed repose

Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist Arapasu reposed in the Lord 17 years ago, on July 30, 2007. Patriarch Teoctist was born on February 7, 1915, in Tocileni, Botoșani county. He was named Teodor, being the tenth child of Dumitru and Marghioala Arăpașu. He went to Vorona Monastery as a novice in 1928 and continued to Neamț…

Jul 30, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

25th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Historic Visit to Romania

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s momentous visit to Romania, a significant event in the history of both the Catholic and Orthodox communities. Held on May 7-9, 1999, this visit marked a Pope’s first visit to a predominantly Orthodox country, underscoring a pivotal moment of ecumenical dialogue and cooperation. During…

May 14, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s former patriarchs Teoctist and Iustin, who “pastored the Church in challenging times”, prayerfully remembered at patriarchal cathedral

On Sunday, the patriarchal auxiliary bishop Paisie of Sinaia officiated a memorial service at the tombs of Romania’s former patriarchs Teoctist Arăpașu (†July 30, 2007) and Iustin Moisescu (†July 31, 1986) to mark the anniversaries of their blessed repose. Preaching by their tombs inside the Patriarchal Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Paisie of Sinaia said that…

Aug 1, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel remembers Patriarch Teoctist as “a light during life and over time” on 15th anniversary of repose

In a message marking the 15th anniversary of the repose of Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel remembered his predecessor as a “pious and diligent hierarch” who spread light from the light of Christ around him. Patriarch Teoctist was the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church from 1986 to 2007. He reposed on July 30, 2007, and…

Aug 8, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Teoctist remembered in his home village: “He was like a brother to us”

Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu was prayerfully remembered in the courtyard of his native house in Tocileni, Botoşani County, on his 107th birth anniversary. The parish priest of Tocileni said that Patriarch Teoctist was as close as a brother to the villagers. Dozens of locals, including relatives of the former Romanian Patriarch, took part in…

Feb 10, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

In pictures: Patriarch Teoctist prayerfully remembered at Patriarchal Cathedral on his 107th birth anniversary

On Monday, February 7, 2022, a memorial service was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral on the 107th birth anniversary of Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist of blessed memory. The memorial service was officiated by Protosyncellus Silvestru Buşică at Patriarch Teoctist’s tomb inside the patriarchal cathedral. You can quickly read some biographies of the former patriarch of…

Feb 8, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

5 encouraging quotes from Patriarch Teoctist’s first Christmas encyclical (1986)

In his first Christmas encyclical in 1986, Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist Arapasu noted that the Nativity shows how much God loves us and how much the price of human life is before God. 1. What can give wings to the mind towards the deep and mysterious meaning of life; what can inflame the heart towards…

Dec 24, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu