Romanian Patriarchs

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

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

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

Remembering Patriarch Iustin Moisescu on his 115th birth anniversary: A pillar of Romanian theological renewal

Wednesday marks 115 years since the birth of the late Patriarch Iustin Moisescu, who led the Romanian Orthodox Church as its fourth Patriarch. Born on March 5, 1910, in Cândești, then part of Muscel County (now Argeș County), he lost his father at a young age in the War of Reunification. Academic Excellence and Theological…

Mar 5, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romania’s former patriarchs Teoctist and Iustin, who “pastored the Church in challenging times”, prayerfully remembered at patriarchal cathedral

On Sunday, the patriarchal auxiliary bishop Paisie of Sinaia officiated a memorial service at the tombs of Romania’s former patriarchs Teoctist Arăpașu (†July 30, 2007) and Iustin Moisescu (†July 31, 1986) to mark the anniversaries of their blessed repose. Preaching by their tombs inside the Patriarchal Cathedral, His Grace Bishop Paisie of Sinaia said that…

Aug 1, 2023Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Teoctist remembered in his home village: “He was like a brother to us”

Romania’s former Patriarch Teoctist Arăpașu was prayerfully remembered in the courtyard of his native house in Tocileni, Botoşani County, on his 107th birth anniversary. The parish priest of Tocileni said that Patriarch Teoctist was as close as a brother to the villagers. Dozens of locals, including relatives of the former Romanian Patriarch, took part in…

Feb 10, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Justinian’s 120th birthday anniversary: “A sailor’s mastery is seen in times of storm”

“Saint John Chrysostom says that a sailor’s mastery is seen in times of storm,” said on Monday Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova referring to Romania’s former Patriarch Justinian Marina. “His pastoral ministry took place in a time of storm when adverse waves threatened the Church’s ship,” the bishop added. The Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese…

Feb 25, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu