religious freedom

UN marks International Day for victims of religious violence and persecution

Victims of acts of violence based on religion or belief are commemorated each year on 22 August internationally through a day established by the United Nations. The observance provides an opportunity to express solidarity with people affected by religious persecution and discrimination and to reaffirm the need to protect every person’s right to manifest their…

Aug 22, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Antonie marks 24th anniversary of Metropolis of Bessarabia’s legal recognition

Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia officiated a Te Deum at the St John the Theologian Metropolitan Chapel in Chișinău on Thursday, marking 24 years since the official recognition of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, re-established after the fall of communism. The service was followed by the reading of a message from the metropolitan, who described the anniversary…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Nicolae marks US 250th anniversary, praises religious freedom and liberty

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas issued a message marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, describing the nation’s history as “one of the most remarkable testimonies to the power of freedom to create opportunities.” His Eminence highlighted the enduring influence of the principles set…

Jul 7, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Italian Parliament approves state recognition of Romanian Orthodox Diocese

Italy’s Senate has approved legislation recognising the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, following earlier approval by the Chamber of Deputies. The measure was adopted unanimously in the presence of Romania’s Ambassador to Italy, Gabriela Dancău, and His Grace Bishop Siluan of Italy. “The unanimous vote cast by the members of the Senate represents not only…

Jul 2, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate voices concern over Samson family case in Sweden, backs repatriation of children

The Romanian Patriarchate is concerned about the very difficult situation facing the Romanian Samson family in Sweden, following the separation of their two daughters, Sara and Tiana, from their parents, as a result of a decision by the Swedish local authorities on 2 December 2022. The Church has always taught that the primary responsibility for…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ioan Casian takes part in Canadian Military Chaplaincy Advisory Meeting

Bishop Ioan Casian participated in a meeting of the Interfaith Committee on Canadian Military Chaplaincy (ICCMC) of the Canadian Armed Forces, held in Borden, Ontario. The gathering, which took place on 28–29 May, brought together representatives of various Christian denominations, religious traditions and spiritual communities. Bishop Ioan Casian represented the Conference of Orthodox Bishops of…

Jun 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Embassy to Holy See hosts conference on discrimination against Christians in Europe

The Romanian Embassy to the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta on Tuesday organised the conference “Christians in Europe: Challenges and Perspectives”, delivered by Dr Martin Kugler, president of the Board of the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe (OIDAC Europe). In the presence of an audience composed of representatives…

May 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania marks first National Day of Religious Freedom and contribution of religious denominations

Romania on Saturday marked for the first time the National Day of Religious Freedom and the Contribution of Religious Denominations to Romanian Society. The observance was established in 2025 following a proposal by Romania’s religious denominations during a meeting held on 10 April 2024 with representatives of the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs and other…

May 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Austria’s religious leaders meet Federal Minister, stress dialogue and peace

Leaders of recognised religious communities in Austria met with Claudia Bauer, Austria’s Federal Minister for the EU, Integration and Family, at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna. The Romanian Orthodox Church was represented by Fr Nicolae Dura, Vicar for Austria of the Archdiocese of Germany, Austria and Luxembourg, and Fr Emanuel Nuțu, Cultural Counsellor of the…

Apr 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian bishop says Christians face ‘polite persecution’ in Europe

Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia warned Thursday of both violent and “polite” forms of persecution facing Christians today, speaking at the chapel of Romania’s National Cathedral on the feast of Saint George. In his sermon, the hierarch reflected on Christ’s words from the Gospel of the day: “The hour is coming when whoever kills…

Apr 24, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Antioch Patriarchate urges Syrian authorities to act after attack on Christian city in Hama

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East has called on Syrian authorities to take action following an overnight attack on March 27–28 in the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah, in Syria’s western Hama region. Attack in Al-Suqaylabiyah The city was subjected to attacks and intimidation from surrounding areas, including acts of violence and vandalism…

Apr 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu