Ukraine crisis

“Peace is the only option for people,” Bessarabia Metropolitan Petru urges in 2022 Easter encyclical

In his pastoral message for Holy Pascha 2022, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia urges prayer for peace among peoples. “I urge you to increase your prayers for peace among peoples so that the God of peace and mercy may enlighten through the Light of Resurrection the minds of the leaders of this world to…

Apr 20, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

ACT Alliance, WCC delegation meets with Bishop of Maramureș with a focus on refugee crisis

His Grace Bishop Justin of Maramureș and Sătmar welcomed a delegation from ACT Alliance and the World Council of Churches at the diocesan centre in Baia Mare last week. The delegation visited Hungary, Ukraine and Romania on 14-18 March, focusing on humanitarian needs and church response. The Diocese of Maramureș and Sătmar is one of…

Mar 22, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Our neighbour’s image as icon of Christ: 4 million € in refugee support from the Romanian Orthodox Church

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Vasile Bănescu, the Romanian Patriarchate’s spokesperson, was invited to the Spiritual Reality show, broadcast by the Romanian Realitatea TV channel. The topic of the day was help offered by the Church in the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Until last Sunday, this support amounted to almost 4 million Euros. The explanation: our…

Mar 16, 2022Ștefana Totorcea

Humanitarian aid for Ukraine war victims provided by the Romanian Orthodox Church

Against the dramatic background of the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the humanitarian catastrophe it has caused, the Romanian Orthodox Church has been mobilized since the early days of this conflict unleashed by Russia against an independent and sovereign country, providing considerable aid to Ukrainian refugees who arrived on the territory of Romania, in…

Mar 14, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

This is how the Orthodox Church in Finland reacted to the war in Ukraine

Right after Russia attacked Ukraine, the organizations of priests and chanters of the Orthodox Church of Finland, along with the Orthodox Youth Association of Finland and lay organizations, made a joint appeal to the worshippers of the Church to collect funds for Ukrainian refugees through Filantropia ry, the international aid organization of the Orthodox Church…

Mar 9, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Banat Metropolitan Ioan, Hungarian Ambassador Botond Zákonyi discuss Ukraine refugee situation

On Monday, the Hungarian Ambassador to Romania was welcomed by Metropolitan Ioan of Banat at the Diocesan Center in Timișoara. Among the topics discussed was the transit of refugees from Ukraine, a common concern of Hungary and Romania. The meeting took place at the request of His Excellency Ambassador Botond Zákonyi, in the context of…

Mar 8, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel: Let us continue to help refugees, pray for peace and be peacemakers!

From the very beginning, the Romanian Patriarchate noted with the utmost concern the beginning of the war in Ukraine, a war launched by Russia against a sovereign and independent state. The Romanian Patriarchate also called for prayer and solidarity to support and assist Ukrainian citizens, refugees in Romania, due to the war. Thus, collections or…

Mar 8, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

“You are not alone!”: Metropolis of Moldavia offers free medical services to Ukrainian refugees

“You are not alone!” the representatives of the Providența medical establishments of the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bukovina told the Ukrainian refugees in a message. The Providența Polyclinic, Hospital and Medical Foundation will offer free services to those in need. “Pregnant women and children have priority. Therefore, the doctors will voluntarily help those who are…

Feb 28, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Canada’s Romanian Bishop urges an end to hostilities with Ukraine

Joining other Romanian hierarchs in their pleas for peace, His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada has called on political leaders to end the hostilities with Ukraine, asking God to grant them “wisdom, a spirit of responsibility, peaceful understanding and openness.” Expressing his deep sorrow over the armed conflict in Ukraine, Bishop Ioan Casian said…

Feb 28, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Maramureș Bishop Justin urges clergy to host Ukrainian refugees

Bishop Justin of Maramureș and Sătmar has urged the clergy to host and help the Ukrainian refugees in his diocese. “We empower the priests on the border with Ukraine in the Sighet area, and not only, in connection and collaboration with the local authorities and the faithful they pastor, to receive our exiled brethren, to…

Feb 28, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Bălți Bishop: The arrival of refugees from Ukraine is an examination of our faith and love

His Grace Bishop Antonie has called for solidarity with Ukrainian refugees and prayers for both sides involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He said the current wave of refugees is “an examination of our faith and love.” “Most Reverend Deans, Most Reverend Parish Priests, Christian brothers and sisters, we have all witnessed for two…

Feb 26, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu