Events Dedicated to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate

The Faculty of Orthodox Theology at Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad has inaugurated a series of church, academic, and cultural events dedicated to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Public Proclamation of the Canonization of St. Priest Martyr Ilarion Felea.

The events began with the celebration of the Three Holy Hierarchs, the patrons of theological schools.

The Divine Liturgy was officiated at Arad’s historic Cathedral by His Eminence Timotei, Archbishop of Arad; His Grace Nestor, Bishop of Deva and Hunedoara; and His Grace Ieronim, Bishop of Dacia Felix.

The service was conducted by clergy members from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, alongside Prof. Univ. Dr. Cristinel Ioja, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, and professors from the Orthodox Theological Seminary of Arad, including Prof. Călin-Dan Teuca, the seminary’s director.

The sermon was delivered by His Grace Ieronim, Bishop of Dacia Felix.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was held in honor of the bishops, professors, and benefactors of theological education in Arad.

At the conclusion of the service, Prof. Univ. Dr. Cristinel Ioja, Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology "Ilarion V. Felea" in Arad, emphasized the significance of celebrating the Three Holy Hierarchs as patrons of theological education, as well as the public proclamation of the canonization of new Romanian saints.

As part of the event, a commemorative volume dedicated to Prof. Univ. Dr. Ioan Tulcan was presented, marking his 70th birthday. He is one of the most important contemporary Romanian theologians, with significant contributions to Dogmatics and Orthodox Missiology.

The volume, published by the University Press and edited by Prof. Univ. Dr. Cristinel Ioja and Assoc. Prof. Univ. Dr. Caius Cuțaru, is part of the "In Honorem" collection, dedicated to distinguished theology professors from Arad who have devoted their lives to academia.

With a career spanning over three decades at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Arad, Prof. Ioan Tulcan is among the founding generation of the faculty and its longest-serving dean, playing a crucial role in the transition of higher theological education in Romania.

As a mark of appreciation for his theological and pastoral contributions, His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, awarded Prof. Dr. Ioan Tulcan the "St. John Chrysostom Order".

The second part of the event continued with the Inaugural Ceremony of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the Public Proclamation of the Canonization of St. Priest Martyr Ilarion Felea, held in the faculty’s Assembly Hall.

In the opening address, Prof. Univ. Dr. Cristinel Ioja, Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology "Ilarion V. Felea" in Arad, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. Following his speech, he delivered a lecture titled "Milestones of University-Level Theological Education in the Romanian Patriarchate," highlighting the key directions of theological thought over the past century and the contributions of prominent Romanian theologians.

This was followed by a lecture titled "Acts of Holiness in the Life of Father Ilarion Felea (1903-1961): Biographical Highlights of a Saint," presented by Protos. Lect. Univ. Dr. Nicolae M. Tang, who provided concrete details on the life and ministry of St. Priest Martyr Ilarion Felea.

In closing, His Eminence Timotei, Archbishop of Arad, expressed gratitude to the attending hierarchs, the University, and both central and local authorities for their contributions to the event and for their continued support of the Faculty of Theology in Arad.

The Centennial Program includes 20 events that will take place throughout 2025.