GB 1-6/2016

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2016 – Homage Year of Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth and the Commemorative Year of the Holy Hierarch Martyr Anthim the Iberian and the Church Printers
† DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
13

2016 – Homage Year of Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth and the Commemorative Year of the Holy Hierarch Martyr Anthim the Iberian and the Church Printers

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Author: † DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
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Word delivered in the Patriarchal Cathedral, Friday, January 1, 2016, on the occasion of the proclamation of 2016 as the Homage Year of Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth and the Commemorative Year of the Holy Hierarch Martyr Anthim the Iberian and the Church Printers in the Romanian Patriarchate. Faith in God is the most important spiritual heritage that the Family, Church, School and Community can pass on to children, because it helps young people to distinguish between eternal and ephemeral values ​​and shapes their personality. The cult books printed by the Holy Hierarch Martyr Anthim the Iberian, Metropolitan of Wallachia, marked the complete introduction of the Romanian language in the Church’s cult, depicting him as a true creator of liturgical language and oratorical literature.

Orthodoxy, the Royal Way of the Gospel
The Holy Synod
21

Orthodoxy, the Royal Way of the Gospel

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Author: The Holy Synod
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The pastoral letter of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church at the Sunday of Orthodoxy in the Year of the Lord – 2016. Orthodoxy is the saving faith, at the centre of which stands the truth about God, human and the world, as revealed to us by God through prophets. The Sunday of Orthodoxy is closely linked to the prevailing of Christians in the struggle for the restoration of the cult of icons and tied also with the Seventh Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (787). In the fight for icons, the following stood out: Saint John of Damascus, Empress Irene († 802), Patriarch Tarasios of Constantinople, Empress Theodora (842-846), Patriarch Methodius, etc. Icons are not just work of art, but in them we see holy patterns of Christian living that we are called to follow in our lives.

HIERARCHAL PASTORAL LETTERS
DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church et alii
29

HIERARCHAL PASTORAL LETTERS

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Author: DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church et alii
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The pastoral letters presents the message of the diocesan bishops of Metropolis of Muntenia and Dobrogea: † DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, † Nifon, Archbishop of Târgovişte, † Teodosie, Archbishop of Tomis,† Calinic, Archbishop of Argeş and Muscel,† Ciprian, Archbishop of Buzău and Vrancea, † Casian, Archbishop of Dunărea de Jos,† Vincențiu, Bishop of Slobozia and Călăraşi, † Galaction, Bishop of Alexandria and Teleorman, † Ambrozie, Bishop of Giurgiu, † Visarion, Bishop of Tulcea
on Easter celebration in 2016. Containing short teachings of faith and pastoral exhortations, the letter was read in all the churches in his jurisdiction.
The Role of Youth Education in the Mission of the Church
† NIFON, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Honorary Metropolitan
101

The Role of Youth Education in the Mission of the Church

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Author: † NIFON, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Honorary Metropolitan
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The history of salvation offers us many examples of young people engaged in the mission of preaching the Gospel of joy and mercy of Christ, who actively participated in the fundamental change of the old world. Young people have a great desire to be involved in major community projects, therefore, to involve them in the mission of the Churches is a needed natural action. The educational mission of the Romanian Orthodoxy took place through the context of the parish and the school, with an emphasis on the education of young people. Young people could represent the most appreciated example of Christian life and witness and, thus, become missionaries of a better and more just society, through a way of life based on the moral values ​​of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Cult, Culture and Social News in the Programs of Christian radios. The Case of Radio TRINITAS
Priest dr. Nicolae DASCĂLU
109

Cult, Culture and Social News in the Programs of Christian radios. The Case of Radio TRINITAS

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Author: Priest dr. Nicolae DASCĂLU
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In the history of the media, radio dominated the first half of the twentieth century, then became a basic component of the communication system in modern societies. Both in Europe and on the American continent, religion has been present on the radio programs since the latter’s beginning. Religious denominations from Western Europe then adopted radio as a missionary and pastoral tool in their work. The typology of Western religious radios includes several categories, of which the best outlined are the pietistic, identity and border ones.

Since the beginning of the third millennium, among the 180 radio stations in Romania, Radio TRINITAS, the first Christian-Orthodox radio station in Romania is defined by the area of ​​national coverage and by the value of broadcast programs.

From the analysis of the program schedules, periodically renewed during its 15 years of activity, and from the studies carried out by CNA (National Audio-visual Council) regarding the share of cultural and religious shows in the programs of the 180 radio stations in Romania, it results that the radio station of the Romanian Patriarchate not only promotes ecclesiastical contents, but also provides broadcasting space for culture and social news.

The promotion of Orthodox faith, Romanian language and national history, the education of young generations in the spirit of dialogue between the Romanian culture and the European and universal values ​​represent editorial principles of the activity of Radio TRINITAS. In conclusion, the radio station of the Romanian Patriarchate can be defined as religious thematic with a generalist openness.

Faith, Freedom, and the Law of God in the Thought of Emil Brunner. Orthodox Critics
Priest dr. Mihai IORDACHE
129

Faith, Freedom, and the Law of God in the Thought of Emil Brunner. Orthodox Critics

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Author: Priest dr. Mihai IORDACHE
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In the text below, we aim to critically analyse, from the perspective of Orthodox theology, three important themes in the contribution of the Protestant theologian Emil Brunner (1889-1966): faith, freedom, and the law of God. All these topics are part of the fundamental themes of Western Protestant theology, which have developed separately, receiving over time different meanings in comparison to the Catholic doctrine, from which they emerged in the 16th century, and especially compared to the Eastern patristic one. For the research of the three topics, I chose the most important dogmatic and moral works of theology professor Emil Brunner, which I analysed in the original language, German. From what is reported, the doctrine of the Swiss theologian Emil Brunner falls within the general lines of Protestant theology, but has some special features in what concerns the exposure and approach of some important issues, such as faith, freedom and the law of God. Strongly inspired by the classical reformers and those of the 18th-19th centuries, Emil Brunner grants faith a central place in the life of the Christian, and he understands it more as a juridical, legalistic and external state, being given to man by God, and through which he receives a certainty of his existence as a son of God. But, unlike the East, faith cannot lead him to sanctification and eternal communion with God, as he cannot do anything for his progress or ascension to God because of his fall into sin.

The very notion of sin is understood differently from that of Orthodox thought, making it impossible for man to repent and „transform” from sinner to virtuous, from fallen to holy. The absence of a sacrament of Holy Confession keeps man under the pressure of his sins and his sinful state before God. Consequently, human freedom is one of dependence on the Creator and His law, which is the only sovereign in human life. As we specified in the text, these meanings of the studied themes are estranged from Patristic thinking and the spirituality of the Eastern Church.

Patriarch Miron Cristea's Steps regarding the Establishment of the Academy of Religious Music in Bucharest and the Reaction of Contemporary Society
Dr. Elisabeta MILEA
145

Patriarch Miron Cristea's Steps regarding the Establishment of the Academy of Religious Music in Bucharest and the Reaction of Contemporary Society

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Author: Dr. Elisabeta MILEA
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The Patriarch Miron Cristeaʼs approaches of setting up an Academy of Religious Music of Bucharest was enthusiastically accepted by the religious singers which start to mobilize themselves to put into operation his aspirations.

The Evening Service from the Holy and Great Monday. A Biblical-Liturgical approach
Drd. Maria Luiza UNGUREANU
159

The Evening Service from the Holy and Great Monday. A Biblical-Liturgical approach

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Author: Drd. Maria Luiza UNGUREANU
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The study approaches from a biblical-liturgical point of view the Evening Service on Monday evening during the Week of the Passion of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The critical analysis of the cult, in parallel with the biblical text specific to this period, inevitably implies a pious research of the liturgical texts contained in the Lenten Triodion (prayers, hymns, texts from the Gospels, etc.). These texts, rounded by the other details of the cult (gestures, typikon scenarios, cult vessels), provide the community of believers with distinctive characteristics and identity. The placement of the believer, starting from the biblical text read in the cult, in the state of prayer and feeling of God’s presence and the confession of faith in doxological, poetic and rhetorical language give birth in the believer’s soul to the answer to God’s call and foretaste of the Kingdom of God.
The Life and Death of Lady Stanca
Dr. Ștefan GRIGORESCU
179

The Life and Death of Lady Stanca

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Author: Dr. Ștefan GRIGORESCU
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The text presents biographical information about Mrs. Stanca, the wife of Prince Michael the Brave. After briefly depicting her public appearances as the wife of the country’s leader, the author presents data concerning her exile, imprisonment, and later death.

A Transylvanian, Founder of Churches in Bărăgan
Nicolae ȚIRIPAN
185

A Transylvanian, Founder of Churches in Bărăgan

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Author: Nicolae ȚIRIPAN
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The author brings to the attention of the readers the biography of Alecse (Alexe, in some documents) Popescu (1819-1887), a Transylvanian displaced in the surroundings of Călărași, prominent member of the society, a merchant who managed to reach a flourishing financial situation, but also a founder and supporter of several places of worship, the most famous of which is the church of St. John, the Pious Parascheva and the Holy Trinity or, more simply, the Church of Alexe in Călărași, a name established among the parishioners and passed down from generation to generation. The author also publishes the holographic will of Alexe Popescu, through which he leaves his entire fortune to his namesake Church.

2016 – Homage Year of Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth
Priest Victor STANCIU
199

2016 – Homage Year of Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth

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Author: Priest Victor STANCIU
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The text subscribes to the main theme of 2016, declared Homage Year of Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth in the Romanian Patriarchate. The spiritual formation of children and adolescents is crucial both for the future of the Church and our society. Today, many young people are disoriented, suffering a crisis of values. The crisis of ideals and spiritual orientation of society affects first the little ones, whose formation is not completed. The Family, the Church and the School have a fundamental role in the transmission and appropriation by the young generation of the perennial values ​​always present in the Romanian nation.

The Spiritual Education of Children in the Writings of Church Fathers and Contemporary Theologians
Priest dr. Adrian AGACHI
209

The Spiritual Education of Children in the Writings of Church Fathers and Contemporary Theologians

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Author: Priest dr. Adrian AGACHI
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This material also subscribes to the theme of the Homage Year 2016, being a selection of articles published by the author in the newspaper Lumina throughout 2016. The author extracts from the writings of the Holy Fathers and those of contemporary theologians a number of subjects concerning the spiritual education of children, elements that he brings to the attention of parents, teachers, priests and all those who work with young people in general.

The Education of Children and Young People – the most Valuable Investment
† DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
253

The Education of Children and Young People – the most Valuable Investment

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Author: † DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
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Word spoken by the author in the opening of the Spring Pastoral-Missionary Conference of Clergy of the Archdiocese of Bucharest (Bucharest, Patriarchate Palace, May 30, 2016), with the theme „2016 – Homage Year of the Religious Education of Orthodox Christian Youth”.

Teaching Religion as an Art of Soul Shaping
Dr. Cristina BENGA
259

Teaching Religion as an Art of Soul Shaping

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Author: Dr. Cristina BENGA
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Teaching Religion is an art because it goes beyond the formal framework and restores the atmosphere of Heaven. During the Religion class, we work with the eyes of the mind and the heart and the pupils learn that they should not consider themselves victims of life. The mission of the teacher of Religion has a very precious purpose, meant to challenge the student to change, to grow in wisdom, to ascend to heaven. In school, the teacher must model a new creature from the spoiled and confused being of the pupil, and this only in fifty minutes a week. His gentleness, united with firmness, is meant to determine the child to bear spiritual fruits and not to produce results, a typical concept of the industrial and consumerist world.

What can the teacher of Religion do so that his student does not become a puppet or even a victim of this secularized and consumerist world? To make the student feel good about God wherever he is and to be proud, happy, and confident that he has God as a friend. To motivate the student to become a citizen of heaven, here on earth, this is truly the stake of learning! And to achieve this, the teacher of Religion must first love, then constantly forgive and, last but not least, hope.

Youth Education in Orthodox Youth Organizations, Today
Priest dr. Vasile GAVRILĂ
269

Youth Education in Orthodox Youth Organizations, Today

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Author: Priest dr. Vasile GAVRILĂ
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The Church has always been in dialogue with young people, and this fact is needed today more than ever. In the current context, the Church has the task of capturing and filtering the affirmative waves that hit its threshold and to dam the negative ones that hit it from the side, especially given that young people have the initiative to approach the ship of Christ. In turn, young people have certain expectations from the Church. The demands of young people are an opportunity for Church ministers to raise the level of authentic knowledge, experience, and ministry. To better identify their situation, young people (especially students) have grouped into youth organizations, student leagues or student associations, some outside, others inside the Church.

Religious Education of Young People in the University Environment: Issues and Perspectives
Conf. dr. Adrian LEMENI
279

Religious Education of Young People in the University Environment: Issues and Perspectives

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Author: Conf. dr. Adrian LEMENI
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The author first talks about the risks that the institutionalization of education and bureaucracy entails: the technocratic efficiency reduces man to a specialized slave, integrated in the technological flow of the computerized network. To avoid this situation, the author shows the importance of living patterns in student education. Today’s young people need living models. For them, it is not the institutional framework that matters, but the living man, capable of sacrifice, understanding, dedication, love.

Finally, the author proposes some elements for promoting an adequate religious education of young people in the university environment: (1) the development of a culture and activities based on volunteering; (2) stimulating an education promoted in a non-formal setting; (3) organizing cultural-spiritual evenings; (4) organizing meetings in different faculties of several universities on current issues and aiming at the possible meeting between theology, philosophy and science; (5) the effective capitalization of the tutoring; (6) voluntary participation in vigil services performed in university chapels; (7) intensifying cooperation between associations of theological students and Orthodox Christians with other associations of youth university; (8) the assumption and involvement of young people from the university environment in the life of parishes.

MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITY
† DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
291

MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITY

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Author: † DANIEL, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
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The chapter includes speeches given by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on various occasions during the first six months of 2016: (a) The Religious Dimension of the Writings of Dimitrie Cantemir; (b) The Importance of Dialogue between Theology, Philosophy and Science; (c) King Carol I, Founder and Restorer of Holy Shrines, Supporter of the Construction of the National Cathedral and Backer of the Autocephaly of the Romanian Orthodox Church; (d) Continuity and Novelty in Religious Art; (e) The Christian Family – a Blessing of the Love of God for Humanity.
THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH IN THE METROPOLIS CHURCH OF MUNTENIA AND DOBROGEA
***
327

THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH IN THE METROPOLIS CHURCH OF MUNTENIA AND DOBROGEA

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The chapter includes the Work Agenda of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel and news from the dioceses of the Metropolitan Church of Muntenia and Dobrogea, from January-June 2016.

PUBLISHING NEWS
***
403

PUBLISHING NEWS

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This chapter presents the new book releases in the field of Theology. The volumes are edited by the publishing houses of the Romanian Patriarchate (Ed. Basilica, Ed. Trinitas, Ed. Institutului Biblic și de Misiune al Bisericii Ortodoxe Române), the publishing house of the Metropolis of Muntenia and Dobrogea (Ed. Cuvântul Vieții), and other publishing houses of the suffragan dioceses.