Romanian Church history

Forty years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu: A founder of Romanian theological culture

The Romanian Orthodox Church on Friday marks 40 years since the repose of Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, one of its most distinguished scholars and a major contributor to Romanian theological culture. Patriarch Iustin Moisescu was born on 5 March 1910 in the village of Cândești, Argeș County, Romania. He studied at the War Orphans’ Seminary in…

Jul 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

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 Nicodim Munteanu’s legacy as Bible translator and Orthodox scholar

Patriarch Nicodim Munteanu was responsible for almost the entire translation of the Romanian Bible published in 1944, in addition to producing dozens of translations and original theological works. Working directly from the Greek text of the Septuagint, Patriarch Nicodim translated fifty-one books of Holy Scripture into Romanian—twenty-four Old Testament books and the entire New Testament.…

Jun 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

On This Day: Metropolitan Nicodim Munteanu elected Patriarch of Romania in 1939

Eighty-seven years ago today, Metropolitan Nicodim Munteanu was elected Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, succeeding Patriarch Miron Cristea. Nicodim Munteanu was born Nicolae on 6 December 1864 in the village of Pipirig, Neamț County, into a devout farming family. At the age of fourteen, he entered the monastic community of Pocrov Skete near Neamț…

Jun 30, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Historic Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest marks 368 years since consecration

Three hundred and sixty-eight years have passed since the consecration of the historic Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Bucharest. Construction of the Patriarchal Cathedral began in the mid-17th century at the initiative of Prince Constantin Șerban Basarab and his wife, Lady Bălașa, as an offering of thanksgiving to God for the restoration…

May 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru marks 101 years since Chișinău Archdiocese elevated to Metropolis

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia issued a message on Monday marking 101 years since the Archdiocese of Chișinău was elevated to the rank of Metropolis through legislative acts confirmed by Royal Decree. “This anniversary recalls the foundation of the sacrificial altar in Bessarabia, built upon the labour, patience and fidelity to truth of our…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Southern Bessarabia bishop prayerfully marks 103rd anniversary of Cetatea Albă–Ismail diocese

His Grace Bishop Veniamin officiated a Te Deum service on Tuesday at the diocesan cathedral in Cahul to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Cetatea Albă–Ismail, whose canonical successor today is the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia. The hierarch recalled the historical context of the diocese’s establishment, noting that the Great…

Mar 11, 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

First Liturgy honouring newly canonised Bessarabian Hieromartyr Alexander Baltaga held in Călărași

The Holy Hieromartyr Alexander (Baltaga) of Bessarabia was commemorated on Friday for the first time since the local proclamation of his canonisation, in the “Saint Nicholas” Church in Călărași, the Republic of Moldova — the parish where the saint served for 54 years. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia,…

Aug 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu