Pilgrimage

Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina received in Thessaloniki by Metropolitan Philotheos during pilgrimage

Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina, accompanied by 60 pilgrims from his metropolia, was received on Monday afternoon by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki. The meeting took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Gregory Palamas, where Metropolitan Philotheos welcomed the visitors, expressing his joy at the visit of “Romanian brethren of the same faith.” Also…

Apr 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian pilgrims mark 1,400 years of Akathist Hymn at Blachernae Church in Constantinople

A group of Romanian pilgrims prayed on Wednesday at the Church of the Virgin Mary of Blachernae in Constantinople, marking 1,400 years since the first chanting of the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God. The pilgrimage, organised by the Romanian Patriarchate’s Basilica Travel Agency, is taking place over four days and includes visits to…

Mar 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

St George relic to be brought from Mount Athos to Romania in April 2026

Pantocrator Monastery in Teleorman County, southern Romania, will again mark its patronal feast in a special way this year, as the honourable skull of the Great Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer will be brought from the Athonite Xenophontos Monastery. The holy relic will be displayed at the Romanian monastery from April 22 to April 28, 2026,…

Feb 10, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Over 230,000 faithful venerate at National Cathedral Altar one week after mosaic consecration

A week after the consecration of the iconography of the National Cathedral, more than 230,000 faithful have venerated in the Holy Altar. The place of worship remains open day and night until Wednesday, November 5. In the Holy Altar were placed for veneration the relics of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the Protector of Romania and…

Nov 3, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate extends visiting hours at National Cathedral amid surge of pilgrims

Taking into account the large number of pilgrims wishing to venerate and pass through the Holy Altar of the National Cathedral, the Romanian Patriarchate has announced the extension of the veneration schedule, including overnight, until Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at midnight. Given this extension, the Patriarchate appeals to all faithful who wish to venerate and…

Oct 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian hierarchs and faithful honour Transylvanian Martyrs at annual Kufstein pilgrimage in Austria

Romanian faithful and hierarchs from the diaspora gathered on Saturday for the annual pilgrimage to the former Kufstein prison in Austria, where the Holy Transylvanian Martyrs — monk Bessarion Sarai, priests John of Galeș and Moses Măcinic of Sibiel, and layman Oprea Nicholas — were once imprisoned for their Orthodox faith. The pilgrims included Romanian…

Oct 20, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

At Saint Parascheva Feast in Iași, pilgrims draw strength from the joy of the Saints, Metropolitan says

Festivities dedicated to Saint Parascheva began on Wednesday in Iasi, where Metropolitan Teofan addressed the pilgrims, saying they “share in the joy of the Saints, nourished by the joy of God.” The Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina noted that the pilgrims’ faces already reflect that joy: “They are tired, but happy; burdened by the weight…

Oct 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Benedict links International Youth Day to spiritual ‘Youth of the Heart’ in message to young people

In an exclusive message to Basilica.ro, His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj placed International Youth Day in a Christian perspective, suggesting that there is also a “youth of the heart,” and that “those who feel young at heart” are “those who love the Mother of God.” The hierarch recalled that International Youth Day, marked on…

Aug 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Relic of Saint Haralambos to be venerated in Alexandria, Romania, ahead of Ecclesiastical New Year

The left hand of Saint Haralambos, a treasured relic from the Mega Spileo Monastery in Greece, will be brought to Romania for veneration at the Diocesan Cathedral in Alexandria between August 29 and September 1, in conjunction with the patronal feast of St. Alexander Monastery. The event’s program includes hierarchical liturgies, religious processions, and all-night…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Pilgrimage to Saint John Chrysostom’s relic in Bucharest concludes after drawing 60,000 faithful

The pilgrimage to the honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom concluded on Wednesday, July 16, after more than 60,000 faithful from across Romania venerated the holy relic, which was brought to the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest between July 11 and 16. The event marked the summer feast of Saint Demetrius the New. Brought from Vatopedi…

Jul 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Mel Gibson visits Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, praises deep spiritual experience

Renowned American actor, director, and producer Mel Gibson, best known for his film The Passion of the Christ, arrived last Friday at the Serbian Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, where he was set to spend several days. The information and accompanying photo were shared on the Friends of Hilandar Monastery (Пријатељи манастира Хиландара) Facebook page,…

Jul 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu