Romanian Orthodox Church

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia marks 35 years since episcopal ordination

On the first day of the new church year, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Archbishop of Chișinău and Exarch of the Territories, celebrated 35 years since his episcopal ordination. Elected Bishop of Bălți, he received episcopal ordination on September 1, 1990, at the Cathedral in Chișinău. Extensive service and ministry Metropolitan Petru was born on October…

Sep 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop criticizes music festivals for mocking Christian symbols: Christ bothers

His Grace Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar spoke on Sunday about what he described as disturbing trends at certain music festivals in Romania, saying that “Christ bothers” some of the participants at these events. In a sermon delivered at the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Baia Mare, the bishop…

Aug 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

WCC Executive Committee member, Metropolitan Nifon marks name day honouring Saint Niphon of Constantinople

Archbishop Nifon of Târgoviște, Honorary Metropolitan, Patriarchal Exarch, and a member of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches, celebrates his name day on Monday, the feast of Saint Niphon, Patriarch of Constantinople, reflecting a distinguished ecclesiastical career marked by international representation, academic excellence, and decades of pastoral and missionary service. He was…

Aug 11, 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

Patriarch Daniel: Christian charity should cultivate love, not self-image

During his Sunday sermon at the historic St. George Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence, Patriarch Daniel of Romania emphasised that the true purpose of Christian social and charitable work is to cultivate merciful love, not to enhance one’s personal image. Spiritual Nourishment Comes First The Patriarch explained that spiritual well-being precedes physical well-being and that…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Iustin urges prayer and repentance in Romania – „the Garden of the Mother of God”

At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, Bishop Iustin of Maramureș and Sătmar delivered a pastoral message urging priests, monastics, and faithful to dedicate themselves to prayer, repentance, and active participation in church services, while recalling that Romania is traditionally known as the “Garden of the Mother of God.” In his message, Bishop Iustin described…

Aug 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Five key figures behind the founding of the Romanian Patriarchate

In 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church marks a century since one of the most significant milestones in its modern history: the elevation to the rank of Patriarchate. This centennial year offers not only a celebration of ecclesiastical achievement but also an opportunity to honour the spiritual, cultural, and national vision that shaped the Patriarchate’s foundation…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian 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

100 years since Ecumenical Patriarchate endorsed Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate

A century ago, on July 30, 1925, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued the synodal tomos officially recognising the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate. This recognition affirmed the decision made by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church on February 4, 1925. Following canonical provisions, the decision of the Holy Synod was communicated…

Jul 30, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Disciple of Saints and heir to the legacy of Romanian Patriarchs: Patriarch Daniel turns 74

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel has celebrated his birthday on Tuesday. Exactly 74 years ago, in the village of Dobrești, Timiș County, western Romania, Dan-Ilie was born—the third child in the family of schoolteachers Alexie and Stela Ciobotea. His Beatitude once shared that he learned the value of work and faith from his parents, despite being…

Jul 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Over 85% of Romanians identify as religious; Nearly half attend church monthly – INSCOP survey

More than 85% of Romanians consider themselves religious, and nearly half attend church at least once a month, according to a public opinion poll conducted by INSCOP and cited by Agerpres. According to the survey, only 14% of respondents said they do not consider themselves religious, while 1% did not know or refused to answer.…

Jul 22, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu