spiritual fathers

Patriarch Daniel highlights joint role of spiritual fathers and psychiatrists in mental wellbeing

Patriarch Daniel of Romania emphasised the vital need for cooperation between spiritual fathers and mental health specialists in addressing the psychological challenges of modern life. In a message titled “Science and Spirituality in the Service of Mental Health,” occasioned by a national conference on pastoral and psychological care, the Patriarch of Romania called for a…

Oct 8, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian confessor of faith and U.S. missionary Fr. Roman Braga remembered 10 years after passing

April 29 marks ten years since the passing of Archimandrite Roman Braga, a confessor of faith during communist Romania and later a spiritual father and missionary in Brazil and the United States. Father Roman Braga was born on April 2, 1922, in Condrița, Bessarabia, as the seventh child of Cosma and Maria Braga. He completed…

Apr 29, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel explains why the Hesychasts were the most sought-after spiritual fathers and what is a prayerful reason

After investing thirteen priests from the Archdiocese of Bucharest as spiritual fathers, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel explained why today people need more than ever prayerful priests. “Prayer that enables the mind to descend into the heart brings us peace and sets the praying reason in opposition to the rebellious reason,” Patriarch Daniel said during a…

Aug 18, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel points to patience as guidance for today’s spiritual fathers

During a ceremony held at St George Chapel of the patriarchal residence appointing new spiritual fathers, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel pointed to patience as one of the greatest virtue recommended by one of the most renowned elders of Romania, Father Cleopas. On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Elder Cleopas Ilie of Sihastria Monastery was commemorated on…

Apr 11, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu