Romanian Church Synod approves canonization of 16 female ascetics
Working session of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Photo: Romanian Patriarchate's Press Office
On July 1, 2025, under the chairmanship of Patriarch Daniel, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church held a session in which it approved the decision to canonize 16 women known for their righteous lives. This was reported on the website of the Romanian Patriarchate’s press service.
Among those newly glorified are nuns, venerable martyrs, confessors, rulers' wives, and mothers of saints. Their lives bear witness to deep faith, selfless service to the Church, steadfastness in the face of persecution, ascetic struggle, and love for Christ even in the most difficult historical circumstances.
Some of those canonized lived and served in Romanian monasteries from the 18th to the 20th centuries, while others confessed the faith during times of persecution and imprisonment, or played an important role in the spiritual upbringing of holy men who made significant contributions to the life of the Romanian Church. Some were women of royal or noble birth who renounced worldly glory for the sake of serving God and their neighbors.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Bishops’ Council of the Serbian Church canonized new martyrs.
Read also
Lithuanian bishop: Ukraine is no model for believers' rights
Vicar of Vilnius Diocese voices concern over attempts to import Ukraine's religious conflict into Lithuania.
Hundreds of believers honor St. Alexis of Carpatho-Russia in Khust Eparchy
At the St. Nicholas Monastery in the village of Iza-Karputlash, Metropolitan Mark of Khust led a festive liturgy, concelebrated by six metropolitans, five archbishops and three bishops.
Court upholds UOC parish appeal in Voloshky over OCU switch dispute
The Northern Commercial Court of Appeal has upheld the appeal of the St. Nicholas parish of the UOC in the village of Voloshky, Volyn region, in a dispute over a transfer to the OCU.
Zelensky says 9.5M Ukrainians expected to return home from abroad
Zelensky stated that 9.5 million Ukrainians who left abroad are expected to return home to rebuild the country.
German theologian criticizes Ukrainian authorities' pressure on UOC
German theologian Regina Elsner has said that pressure from the authorities on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church places an additional heavy burden on believers during the war.
Poland bans entry to Lviv official over SS Galicia and UPA glorification
Polish Foreign Minister initiates entry ban on Lviv Regional Council deputy who proposed declaring 2027 the Year of the UPA.