Romanian Orthodox Church

Synodal Decree of the Romanian Orthodox Church for canonization of 20th-century Saints

In a significant event marking the centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has officially proclaimed the sainthood of sixteen confessors and spiritual fathers, recognizing their exemplary lives and martyrdom during the tumultuous times of the 20th century. The decree, issued on February 4, 2025, honours priests and monks…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church proclaims 16 newly canonized Saints on Patriarchate Centennial

The Romanian Orthodox Church officially proclaimed sixteen newly canonized saints on Tuesday, during a historic ceremony at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest, attended by Patriarch Daniel and the members of the Holy Synod. The proclamation ceremony took place after the Divine Liturgy, marking the 100th anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate. The event gathered members of…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church marks 100 years since becoming a Patriarchate

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates 100 years since the Holy Synod approved the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate. This decision elevated Patriarch Miron Cristea, then Archbishop of Bucharest and Metropolitan of Ungro-Wallachia (Muntenia), as the first Patriarch of Romania. The Romanian Parliament officially recognized the Synodal decision through a special…

Feb 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Moldova Census reveals Orthodox majority, rising urbanization, and aging demographics

The National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova has released the preliminary results of the 2024 Population Census, conducted last year. The data shows that while 95% of the population identifies as Orthodox Christian, the country’s total population has decreased by nearly 14% compared to the previous census conducted a decade ago. Another…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Principalities’ Union Day: Metropolitan of Bessarabia reaffirms the national and spiritual identity of Bessarabians

“The Union of the Romanian Principalities was the day when the sons of Moldavia and Wallachia embraced as brothers, under the same flag and faith, laying the foundation of the modern Romanian state,” said His Eminence Metropolitan of Bessarabia in a pastoral message marking the 166th anniversary of this historic event. “This Union was not…

Jan 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Local Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia charts path for 2025

The Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened Thursday for a working session chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chişinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. Joining him were Bishop Antonie of Bălți and Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, as the Synod delved into key matters concerning the spiritual, pastoral,…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel highlights Romanian Orthodox Church’s role in preserving Christian culture during communist regime

On Romania’s National Day of Culture, Patriarch Daniel published a message emphasizing the Romanian Orthodox Church’s significant role in safeguarding and promoting Christian culture during the oppressive years of communist rule. Historical Context and Cultural Contributions The Patriarch began his message by underscoring that the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church is mainly synonymous with…

Jan 16, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Patriarchate unveils new icon of the Assembly of Romanian Saints for Centennial celebration

On New Year’s Day, during the proclamation of the Solemn Year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Commemorative Year of Romanian Orthodox Spiritual Fathers and Confessors of the 20th Century, a new icon titled “The Assembly of Romanian Saints” was presented, marking this jubilee year. The artwork, measuring 90 x 60 cm,…

Jan 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel declares Solemn Year 2025 a unique moment in Romanian Orthodox Church history

In his address on New Year’s day at the Patriarchal Cathedral which also marked the inauguration of the Solemn and Commemorative Year 2025 in the Romanian Patriarchate, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasized the dual role of the Patriarchate – not only as an administrative entity but as a beacon of faith and national identity. The…

Jan 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

The Church Alongside the Sick: A Year in Review on Healing

Observing the accelerated increase in recent years of people affected by both classic diseases and multiple addictions, the Romanian Orthodox Church dedicated the year now concluding to the pastoral care and assistance of the sick. The declaration of the “Solemn Year of Pastoral Care and Assistance of the Sick” and the “Commemorative Year of all…

Dec 20, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

On this day in 1992, the Metropolis of Bessarabia was reactivated by the Holy Synod

Thirty-two years ago, on December 19, 1992, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially acknowledged the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. This autonomous metropolis, based in Chișinău, became integral to the Romanian Orthodox Church. The decision to reactivate the Metropolis of Bessarabia was made by clergy and faithful gathered at the Archdiocesan…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu