The Romanian Orthodox Church Aspects Of

THE ROMANIAN Other important information has been ORTHODOX CHURCH obtained from the websites of the Romanian Patriarchate, www.patriarhia.ro ASPECTS OF RELIGIOUS and of the Trinitas Radio Station, the Metropolitanate of Moldavia and Bukov- LIFE IN ROMANIA ina, Ia≥i, http://www.mmb.ro/ro/index. November 2001-February 2006 php?pagina=51. Some statistical information pertaining to DRAGOS MIRSANU* early 2006 (in Romanian) can be found on http://www.patriarhia.ro/BOR/ci The present essay offers a survey of the frebor.php. The Romanian Orthodox more important activities of the Roman- Church is autocephalous since 1885 and ian Orthodox Church (ROC) in recent is organized as a Patriarchate since 1925, years, both on the national and the inter- bearing the name of The Romanian Patri- national level. The essay is a follow-up archate. Its highest authority for all dog- of the one that was published in 2001.1 matic, canonical, and religious issues is Since the period we are to deal with is the Holy Synod, the members of which rather long for a purely factual chroni- are the hierarchs in function (metropoli- cle, we have decided instead to arrange tans, archbishops, bishops, assistant bish- the material thematically.2 ops). The representative central body of the ROC for all administrative and eco- nomical issues, as well as for those that are * Dragos Mirsanu has studied orthodox not judged by the Holy Synod, is the and historical theology in Romania at the Church National Assembly, which con- Faculties of Orthodox Theology in Ia≥i sists of the Holy Synod members and and in Bucharest (MA) and has also three representatives of each bishopric or earned an MA degree in multicultural archbishopric (one clergy and two lay per- theology from the University of Nijmegen, sons), appointed by the respective dioce- the Netherlands. He is currently doing san assemblies for a period of four years. research in historical theology as a PhD The supreme administrative body, both Candidate at the Faculty of Theology of of the Holy Synod and of the Church the K.U. Leuven, Belgium. National Assembly, is the Church 1 Nicu Dumitra≥cu, ‘Multiconfessional National Council. It consists of the Romania at the End of the Second Mil- administrative counsellors (who are per- lennium and the Beginning of the Third,’ manent members) and three clergy and JEastCS, 53 (2001), 3-4, pp. 270-281. six lay persons, elected by the Church 2 We have used information collected National Assembly for a period of four from various sources, but have referred to years. His Beatitude the Patriarch is the them only selectively in order not to over- President of these bodies. load the text. The main sources have been The Romanian Patriarchate has six met- the journals Biserica Ortodoxa Romana - ropolitan sees in the country with 10 Bucharest, Vestitorul Ortodoxiei - archbishoprics and 16 bishoprics, 161 Bucharest, Candela Moldovei – Ia≥i and deaneries, 11102 parishes and 2297 Rena≥terea – Cluj-Napoca, whose online branches, with 13925 priests and deacons version was given preference, whenever and 14870 places of worship. In addition possible, for the sake of accessibility. there are three Metropolitan Sees under 106 DRAGOS MIRSANU

A. ROC’s National Activities More recently, the need to elect a new metropolitan of Transylvania to replace 1. Administrative Reforms the late metropolitan Antonie Pla- madeala, who died on the 29th of August, The Holy Synod and the Church has required a few extraordinary meet- National Assembly have been called into ings of the Holy Synod. On 20-21 Octo- session on many occasions during the ber the names of the two candidates were period, dealing normally with pressing announced: Archbishop Andrei Andre- matters and more generally with the icuÁ of Alba Iulia and Bishop LaurenÁiu welfare of the Church. Many of the deci- Streza of Caransebe≥. On 3-4 November, sions taken at these meetings have shown LaurenÁiu Streza was elected and con- a growing concern with the social activ- firmed the new metropolitan. However, ities of the church and with maintain- another decision took public opinion ing and developing relations with civil rather by surprise, as there was decided institutions and other churches or reli- ‘the reorganization of the Metropoli- gious organizations. tanate of Transylvania, due to pastoral- With regard to the administrative struc- missionary reasons, into the Metropol- ture of ROC, it is worth mentioning itanate of Sibiu and Covasna-Harghita, two events of 2005. First, in Bucharest with the metropolitan see in the city of on 5-6 March 2005, ROC solemnly Sibiu, and the Metropolitanate of Cluj, commemorated the 120th anniversary Alba-Iulia, Cri≥ana and Maramure≥, with of its autocephaly and the 80th anniver- the metropolitan see in the city of Cluj- sary of its elevation to a patriarchate. Napoca’.3 This decision has brought up Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I a major debate in the mass media4 and and representatives of other Orthodox Churches were most honourable guests the jurisdiction of the Romanian Patriar- at the event. A session of commemora- chate (Metropolitan See of Bessarabia, the th tion was scheduled on the 5 at the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan See patriarchal palace followed on the 6th for Central and Northern Europe, and by a liturgical celebration, which took the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan place in the presence of Mr Traian See for Western and Southern Europe), Basescu, the president of Romania, and one Archbishopric (Romanian Orthodox other notables of the executive political Archbishopric in America and Canada) body. The event has been commented and two Bishoprics (Romanian Ortho- upon in the media in various ways: most dox Bishopric in Hungary, in Gyula, and referred to the grandeur that the Church the Romanian Orthodox Bishopric in still embodies and is able to display in Yugoslavia, with its seat in Var≥eÁ. 3 Source: Press Office of the Romanian the Romanian state and society, while a Patriarchate, in Rena≥terea of November few voices raised doubts about the rel- 25, 2005, http://www.arhiepiscopia-ort- evancy of reinforcing an obsolete, out- cluj.org/revista/?p=3 of-touch concept such as “autocephaly” 4 Practically all the daily newspapers dealt seems to be in the framework of the with the matter for days, starting with contemporary worldview. November 4th. THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 107 amongst the faithful in Transylvania. of the spiritual life in Transylvania. Many thought they could see in this In addition to this important structural reorganization a division of the (spiritual) change, recently, on 8 February 2006, unity of Transylvania, and indeed a two new bishops were elected: Bishop betrayal of the work of the ancestors Lucian, former auxiliary bishop for the who fought hard to achieve it. It should archbishopric of Timi≥oara, for the be added here that the fire may have vacant see of Caransabe≥ and Bishop been fuelled also by some speculations Ambrozie, former auxiliary bishop for regarding the correctness of the elec- the archbishopric of Bucharest, for the tion, given the intricate process (a sec- vacant see of Giurgiu. ond ballot was needed due to a number of invalid votes). In reply to these voices, 2. Social and Other Specific Activities the Synod emphasized the demographic, economic and other changes that have ROC has performed increasingly well affected Transylvania in the last century its social and pastoral duties during the and to the bare fact that no single see period under scrutiny. Although it has can look after such a large territory and fallen victim to criticism in the media number of faithful (since this metro- for the lack of involvement in solving politanate is actually the largest of all). contemporary social problems, most Most significantly, the inhabitants of such allegations have been unwarranted Sibiu took the matter to the streets, ask- and have been conducted by misinfor- ing that the split should not occur. mation or unqualified misconception. When the Holy Synod met on 17-18 While we shall see some of the hot dis- January 2006, Transylvanians demon- putes on religious aspects that have strated not far from the patriarchal stirred up Romanian society soon below, palace in Bucharest where the sessions we want simply to point out a few of the were being held. Additionally, some legal events that are worth emphasizing in action was started in Sibiu against the order to give some idea of the usual spe- decision of the Synod and an open let- cific activities of ROC. ter was sent to the president of Roma- First, it should be mentioned the con- nia. The Synod reinforced the previous cern for Romanian Society at the macro- decision regarding the new metropoli- level, reflected for instance in the deci- tanate from Cluj-Napoca and decided sions following events such as the that it will take the fourth honorary international conference “Churches and place among the sees in ROC, imme- North-Atlantic Values” that took place diately after the see of Sibiu. In response on 3-4 June 2002 under the auspices to the concerns raised by many faithful of the Romanian Patriarchate in col- that this will weaken the unity in the laboration with the “George C. Mar- Church and national unity, it was shall-Romania” Association and the decided that the hierarchs of the two “George C. Marshall European Center metropolitanates will meet at least three for Security Studies” of Garmish-Pan- times a year in order to work together terkichen, Germany. As a result, ROC to maintain and strengthen the health and all religious organizations in Roma- 108 DRAGOS MIRSANU nia have affirmed their support for the Onufrie, monk at Sihastria Voronei (19th integration of Romania into the struc- c., canonized 2005), starets Gheorghe tures of NATO. of Cernica and Caldaru≥ani (18th -19th Further along this line, on 5 Novem- c., canonized 2005) and Metropolitan ber 2003, the Romanian patriarchate Grigore Dascalu of Wallachia (18th-19th signed a protocol of collaboration with c., to be canonized). All these new can- the Ministry of Interior for the preven- onizations have been made known tion of, and fight against, the traffick- widely to the faithful who were invited ing of human beings. Thus the role to share in the joy of the church. Fur- ROC is playing in the education of thermore, the cult of the recently dis- young people, who are more likely to fall covered relics of the late third-century victims to such abuse, and of their par- martyrs Epictet and Astion has been ents, is notable.5 sanctioned by ROC and plays a grow- ROC has had a very important effect ing role in the spiritual life of the on the fund-raising campaigns con- Dobrodja area.9 ducted for the victims of massive flood- ing in 2005, by collecting money itself 5 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. from the faithful and by collaborating 307. We apologise for the lack of precise with State Institutions such as the references to VO. The Journal has been National Television Network (TVR). consulted online during 2005 but has Local involvement of the church in the been not accessible in Jan-Feb 2006 – at rescue effort was extensive in regions the time this text was written – due to such as Timi≥ (Archbishopric of the construction of a new website of the Timi≥oara), GalaÁi (Bishopric of Lower Romanian Patriarchate. Nevertheless, its Danube) and others.6 archive should soon be back at http:// On a more local level now, one has to www.vestitorul.ro/ 6 emphasize the spiritual message that has News Bulletin of the Romanian Patri- been conveyed by ROC by means of archate, 2005, 5-6: http://www.patriar hia.ro/eng/pub/index.php?no=52005& pilgrimages and canonizations. Yearly, page=7 pilgrims are welcomed at different pil- 7 Designated of old as Ungrovlahia grimage sites all over Romania, notably (Hungaro-Walachia). in Ia≥i (Jassy), Bucharest and the 8 “Moldavia” is surely an English ren- Monastery of Necula (Transylvania). In dering of the Romanian noun “Moldova”. the last few years, several new saints They are both used to designate the name have been canonized by ROC. Among of an independent state and the name of them, one must notice the Metropoli- a historical region in Romania. For the tan Peter Moghyla of Kiev (17th c., can- sake of disambiguation, this paper will onized 2002), Metropolitan Teodosie of employ “Moldavia” for the historical region Wallachia7 of the monastery of Brazi, in Romania and “Moldova” for the inde- martyr (17th c., canonized 2003), Vasile pendent state whose official name is the th “Republic of Moldova”. of Poiana Marului, monk (18 c., can- 9 It seems that the 2001 discovery could onized 2003), Metropolitan Dosoftei of bear a particular significance, in that it 8 th Moldavia (17 c., canonized 2005), may be the first time in modern hagio- THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 109

3. Relations with Other Churches and a warm climate for dialogue. Second, Religious Groups with regard to the first-hand problem of the patrimony and more precisely to Generally, ROC has established and giving back church buildings, several of maintained a good relationship with all those cases have been won in court by Churches and religious groups in Roma- the Greek-Catholics, such as that con- nia. The Week of Prayer for Christian cerning the cathedral of Oradea that Unity, though relatively new in Roma- was taken into custody in December nia, has already been well established 2005. Most recently, it came the turn of on the agenda of ROC and is observed Holy Archangels Cathedral in Satu- in good faith in all major cities across Mare, to the great dislike of the previ- the country. ous owners, the Orthodox faithful. After The dispute with the Greek Catholic they were shown the door, apparently Church has not been solved yet, but the without courtesy, on 17 February 2006 dialogue at the top carried out by the (raising, as a result, a protest from the Joint Orthodox-Greek-Catholic Com- Orthodox bishopric), the first Eucharist mission continues. For instance, fol- of the Greek-Catholics on Sunday the lowing the Seventh Meeting of the 19th could be held only thanks to mas- Commission that took place on 1 Octo- sive police presence around the church.12 ber 2002 in Arad, the Holy Synod of With regard to academic life we should ROC expressed on November 26-27 the note a symposium on “Religious Groups hope for an intensification of the col- and the State” that took place on 11-12 laboration in social matters.10 The May 2002 at the Orthodox Faculty of Eighth Meeting took place on 23 Sep- tember 2003 at Baia-Mare. The participants of the Romanian Greek Catholic graphical scholarship when we have both Church insisted on the eventual appeal the act of martyrdom and the archaeo- to law, while the representatives of ROC logical witness. Cf. also I.P. David, ‘Mar- tirii de la Halmyris n contextul misionar insisted for their part on the necessity to i la inceput de mileniu III. Descoperirea allow communities to decide over the moa≥telor sfin ilor Epictet ≥i Astion ≥i cei 11 Á solving of patrimonial disputes. In fact, impreuna cu dan≥ii’, Biserica Ortodoxa this difference of approach for solving Romana, 120 (2002), 10-12, pp. 322-355 the dispute is crucial. Thus, though gra- 10 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 14 (2002), no. cious, the higher-level dialogue has not 302 as yet had a tangible result; on the local 11 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. level the situation is far from being 320-321 friendly. First, events such as the reli- 12 InformaÁia Zilei, XIV, 3790, Tuesday, gious and cultural manifestation that 21st of February 2006, http://www.infor- took place on 22 October 2005 in Alba matia-zilei.ro/SM/bm/20.02.06/social. Iulia, dedicated to the holy confessors of htm. Subsequently, the Orthodox members of the clergy who led the demon- Transylvania (who fought against uni- strations agreed with the authorities that atism in its incipient phase), however they had exaggerated and hoped for a justified they may be, do little to sustain peaceful solution to the disagreement. 110 DRAGOS MIRSANU the University of Cluj-Napoca. Partici- ian Reality and European Standards” pants from different Christian denom- was organised at Durau by the repre- inations met in order to analyze the sentatives in Romania of the “Konrad different patterns of a functional rela- Adenauer” German Foundation, with tionship between Church and State in the support of both the Presidential contemporary Europe. On 3-4 February Administration and the Metropolitan 2003, a colloquium was held in Bra≥ov See of Moldavia and Bukovina. Repre- under the title “Charta Oecumenica and sentatives of many religious groups and the Churches of Romania” where there of state authorities debated on the mean- were leaders and delegates of the ing and implementation of the concept Churches from Romania (ROC, The of philanthropy in Romania, hoping for Roman Catholic Church, Evangelical a better legal frame in which the dif- Churches of Sibiu and Cluj, The ferent religious groups could work inde- Reformed Church, the Armenian pendently or in partnerships.16 Church, the Greek Catholic Church and the Anglican Church) but also of 4. ROC and the Civil Society: Hotly other international or local ecumenical Debated Issues organizations. Charta proved to be a factor for unity in dialogue.13 The Cathedral of the Salvation of the Otherwise, in 2003 AIDRom – the Ecu- (Romanian) People menical Church Association of Roma- One of the most disputed issues of the nia celebrated the 10th anniversary of last years was over the necessity of build- its creation. It continues to work hard ing a large Patriarchal Cathedral in as ‘a platform for ecumenical dialogue Bucharest (with financial contribution and as a Financing & Development from the State budget). The need for a Agency for Churches and the Civil Soci- larger church building, as such, has not ety in Romania’.14 been much disputed lately, as most have It is also noteworthy that on 28-29 March 2003, at the patriarchal Palace 13 Dan Sandu, ‘Charta Oecumenica ≥i in Bucharest, the Romanian Patriarchate Bisericile din Romania’, Candela Moldovei and the St Gerhard Foundation in Ger- (2003), 1-2, p. 15. many organized a meeting of the com- 14 http://www.evkb.org/aidrom/index. missions of the Christian churches in htm Romania: ROC, the Roman Catholic, 15 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. the Greek Catholic and the Evangeli- 310; ‘Credincio≥ii uci≥i in inchisorile cal. The aim of the meeting was to dis- comuniste vor fi inclu≥i in martirologiu’. cuss the project of compiling a Christ- Curierul NaÁional, Monday, March 31, 2003: http://www.curierulnational.ro/ ian Martyrology of Romania that would index.php?page=articol&editie=163&art= comprise all the martyrs of Christian 9597 15 faith under communism. 16 News Bulletin of the Romanian Patri- On 27-30 October 2005, a conference archate, 2005, 5: http://www.patriar with the title “From Theological hia.ro/eng/pub/index.php?no=52005& Thought to Social Action – the Roman- page=6 THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 111 come to realize that the present church tion and euthanasia are considered grave that acts as the Patriarchal cathedral is sins that contradict Christian teaching. unsatisfactory by any measure, other Furthermore, ROC insists on amplify- aspects have remained bones of con- ing efforts to educate contemporary peo- tention for years. To this day, the name ple with regard to the meaning of itself (coming from pre-war nationalist human sexuality and of life more gen- Romania) gives many an occasion to erally, in view of avoiding such sins.18 mock its patriotic/pathetic sound.17 More practically however, the main Building in a Natural Reservation: the debate revolved around the location of Monastery on the Peak of Ceahlau Moun- the huge new building. Two places have tain been allocated successively during the One other recent dispute refers to the last years, but they met with the resis- desire of the Metropolitanate of Mol- tance of the City Hall authorities or of davia and Bukovina to erect a pilgrims’ different groups representing the civil house next to the little monastery on society. In late 2005, land was given to top of mountain Ceahlau in the East- ROC just behind the mammoth Par- ern Carpathians. The presence of the liament building (Ceau≥escu’s People’s monks there is already a matter of dis- House), on Arsenal Hill. The urban pute, since the entire area is a protected planners and architects of Bucharest natural reservation. The news of the have come to an agreement that would Metropolitanate erecting an allegedly allow for the church to be the tallest large building to improve the harsh life building in all of Romania (ca 114 m in of the monks living there has stirred up height), which will make it visible from representatives of the civil society that all corners of Bucharest. The cathedral accuse the Church (more precisely, the will be built with money collected by Metropolitanate) of a discrete under- ROC and with the collaboration of the standing with political figures of high- state. est rank in order to build, illegally as it may seem, a religious establishment in Bioethics: Further Decisions a natural reservation.19 The challenges put forth by bioethics have continued to give work to the

National Committee for Bioethics in 17 recent years. This Committee evaluates The choice for Holy Apostle Andrew the work of three local commissions in as patron saint (in view of his allegedly legendary mission on the ‘Romanian’ soil) three university centres in Romania: only adds to that impression. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Ia≥i. On 18 Quoted by Trinitas Press Office, http: 15-17 March 2004 and on 5-7 July //www.mmb.ro/ro/index.php?pagina= 2005, the recommendations of the 50&data=2005070808 Committee in favour of the transplan- 19 For an example of criticism with an tation of organs and against the practices acid tongue, see http://www.romania of abortion and euthanasia were libera.ro/editie/index.php?url=articol& endorsed by the Synod of ROC. Abor- tabel=z12112005&idx=58 112 DRAGOS MIRSANU

The Gold-Mining Project at Ro≥ia Mon- lance was called. Most probably, the tana ambulance arrived late, little could be There was very serious debate sur- done, and the young woman died rounding a project of gold-mining in (whether before getting into the ambu- Ro≥ia Montana (Transylvania) by the lance or inside it, is still to be decided.) Canadian company “Rosia Montana This is the story in short, which proved Gold Corporation” that would probably later to be a very intricate one. The priest generate a major ecological and human and his assisting nuns were arrested and disfiguration of the area. ROC came up accused. In late 2005, an autopsy proved with its own judgment on 11 Novem- that Irina had actually died as a result ber 2003. Finding support in the pre- of an extra-dose of adrenaline given to vious statement of the Romanian Acad- her in the ambulance. Thus, everything emy against the project, and with the seems to indicate a case of medical prospect of seeing the local churches incompetence and not one of “spiritual and cemeteries being moved to another torture”. area, ROC declared its opposition to Nevertheless, what is interesting here is the gold-mining project. not the story in itself, as much as the debate on the alleged medieval practices The “Exorcism” at Tanacu Abbey of the Orthodox Church, incapable of Few events, politics aside, have created facing modernity, as exemplified in one more turmoil in recent years than the newspaper title: “Romania in the Mid- unfortunate event when a young woman dle Ages”. Countless newspaper articles died after, and allegedly because of, being and television programs debated the subject to extreme exorcism-like treat- issue. The attitude of ROC was at times ment by the priest at the Abbey of baffling: if in the end it was balanced as Tanacu (Moldavia). The mentally it waited for the justice departments to deranged young woman named Irina do their work, it reacted at first by the had been under treatment in a hospital local bishop abruptly suspending the in the city of Vaslui. A while after being priest, mostly due to the outrage of the released, she sought spiritual treatment media outlets. On the other hand, most in the summer of 2005 at the abbey “Sf of these same enraged journalists proved Treime” where father Daniel Corogeanu, to lack even the simplest knowledge 29, helped by the nuns, tried to deliver about the practices of the Orthodox her from the evil by prayers. Most unfor- Church.20 tunately, her seemingly violent behaviour left them with no choice but to tie her 20 up on an improvised wooden cross-like It took most of the journalists several days to learn finally about the inexistence bed/stretcher so that she could not harm of the ‘exorcism’ proper in the practices of herself or others. It seems that her poor the Orthodox Church and to attempt health condition could hardly permit to dissociate the Orthodox practice the ingestion of food. In the end, when from whatever knowledge they had most she experienced difficulty in breathing likely gained from second-hand horror and vital signs deteriorated, an ambu- movies. THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 113

On the positive side, it must be said against the play. Though it was a very that the whole controversy allowed for limited event (in both time and space), a useful discussion on the quality of the play managed to bring about fresh monastic life in Romania, on the qual- discussions on key issues such as freedom ity of those who take monastic vows of the creators, artists and the artistic and of those who get ordained in monas- act, on the acceptability of ecclesiastical teries. The Holy Synod has recom- or religious censorship, and on the mended a deepening of the spiritual enforcement of such censorship by polit- screening process by which candidates to ical authorities. both monastic life and ordination are to be welcomed. 5. ROC and the Media

Does Artistic Freedom Allow for Blas- The manifestation of the ROC-owned phemy? media among public media is rather December 2005 witnessed yet another unequally present and mostly indistinct. controversial event that brought the One of the reasons might be that it is church face to face with some repre- sustained chiefly by efforts in other sentatives of civil society, and with intel- places than Bucharest. Thus, even if on lectuals and artists. An award-winning a local level, here and there, one may play on a Bible-related theme, which acknowledge the sizeable presence of had been written in 1992, was produced Orthodox media, its absence in the cap- at a minor theatre in Ia≥i. The author, ital city from among the central media Mrs Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, is a distin- services is most unfortunate. However, guished intellectual, political analyst and it should be said that there exist in journalist, frequently seen on TV as a Romania at this time five radio stations spirited voice in support of the inter- under the auspices of various adminis- ests of civil society. The play, entitled trative divisions of ROC. Alongside the “Evangheli≥tii” [The Gospel Writers] longer broadcasting stations, Trinitas had been rather unknown to the greater from Ia≥i (Metropolitanate of Moldavia public until it was about to be put on and Bukovina)21 and Rena≥terea from stage in Ia≥i. At that time, on the 2nd of Cluj-Napoca (Archbishopric of Vad, December, Patriarch Teoctist and Roman Cluj and Feleac),22 since December 2001 Catholic Archbishop of Bucharest Ioan three new radio stations emerged: Reîn- Robu both condemned it, though in tregirea from Alba-Iulia (Archbishopric different statements, for offending Chris- of Alba-Iulia),23 Dobrogea from Con- tian teaching, for being a blasphemy to stanÁa (Archbishopric of Tomis)24 and the life and faith of the Romanian peo- Logos (Metropolitanate of Oltenia).25 ple. The story is a fictional account of how Paul and the other disciples 21 http://radio.trinitas.ro/ invented Christianity at the expense of 22 http://www.radiorenasterea.ro a naïve Jesus who has Mary Magdalene 23 http://reintregirea.ro/reintregirea.html as a companion. The erotic scenes in 24 http://www.arhiepiscopiatomisului.ro particular boosted the popular reaction 25 http://www.radiologos.ro/ 114 DRAGOS MIRSANU

All these stations have websites and can ate a new section within the faculties of be listened to live on the internet. theology in Bucharest, Ia≥i, Cluj and Of all these, by far the most significant Craiova: “Theology – Communication air broadcasting coverage is offered by Sciences and Public Relations”. In their Trinitas radio station from Ia≥i (broad- turn, the representatives of the lay press casting since early 1998), that can be expressed the desire for more openness listened to from over 60% of the area from the Church toward mass-media of Romania, including major cities such and asked for active press offices in every as Bucharest, Ploie≥ti, Cluj and Bra≥ov.26 eparchial centre. At the end, the need for Since late 2001, Trinitas is a member an Orthodox Press Agency and an Asso- of the “European Conference of Chris- ciation of Christian Journalists was tian Radio Stations”. underscored.28 Complementarily, Lumina, the “first Christian newspaper”, as it is advertised, 6. Theological Education has been launched in Ia≥i on 7 Febru- ary 2005, as ‘an initiative of the Ortho- The First National Conference of the dox Laity supported by the Metropoli- Faculties of Orthodox Theology in tanate of Moldavia and Bukovina’.27 Romania took place at Durau on 8-10 With regard to the presence of ROC September 2003. The activity of the fac- and aspects of Christian and religious ulties of theology, under double juris- life more generally in the programs of diction, of the Church and of the uni- state-owned or privately-owned media versities, was analyzed and several channels, we have to notice that it has proposals were made toward the bet- been rather discrete in the case of the terment of educational progress, e.g. state-owned ones, and reduced to a min- that more young people should be imum in the case of the privately-owned attracted to study theology not so much ones. Of course, when something con- in view of ordination as in view of troversial or worthy of censure relating strengthening missionary activity, with to the ROC occurs, coverage increases them working in various fields as grad- with the hope of increasing ratings. uates of theology programs. An event worth mentioning here was The proposal that this conference should the press colloquium “Church in Mass- occur regularly (once every two years) Media and Mass-Media in Church”, was fulfilled in 2005, when the Second organized by the Trinitas Institute of National Conference was organized at Ia≥i at Durau on 19-21 June 2003. This Brâncoveanu Monastery–Sâmbata Sum- colloquium had a few interesting con- mer Academy on 25-28 September, clusions. It was first agreed that mass- media is an important chapter of the 26 Candela Moldovei, 14 (2005), 10-1, social thought of the Church, and that p. 37. the lay press and church press should 27 http://www.ziarullumina.ro/ relate to each other in a complemen- 28 Candela Moldovei, 7-8 (2003): http:// tary fashion. The participants welcomed editura.trinitas.ro/cm/articol.php?an=200 the decision of the ROC Synod to cre- 3&luna=07-08&art=3 THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 115 under the general theme “The Faculty of of note, who served ROC with distinc- Theology in the Life and Mission of the tion during their lives. Thus, we hon- Church.” Among the resolutions were: our the memory of Rev. Prof. Ion Bria 1) a Commission for Deontology should (d. July 2, 2002), a professor of Ortho- be set up for the case of negative aspects dox Theology and an internationally of university activity; 2) in addition to acclaimed specialist in ecumenical stud- their academic activity, professors should ies; of Archimandrite Sofian Boghiu of be engaged as parish priests so they have Antim Monastery in Bucharest (d. Sep- a better knowledge of the pastoral and tember 14, 2002), a widely respected missionary reality; 3) the curricula should spiritual father and icon painter; of Rev. be adapted and harmonized in such a Prof. Constantin Galeriu (d. August 10, way that the educational process should 2003), a professor of Orthodox Theol- answer both the contemporary needs of ogy and an immensely popular spiritual the Church and the European structural father and preacher; and of His Emi- reforms decided at Bologna; 4) atten- nence Antonie Plamadeala, Metropoli- tion to spiritual and liturgical training tan of Transylvania (d. August 29, 2005), should be intensified in order to counter a specialist in ecumenical studies and the effects of secularization; 5) theolog- an accomplished diplomat for ROC’s ical instruction should focus more on external relations. practical issues. The next meeting was set to take place in 2007. 7. ROC’s Publications and Other Titles On another level, it should be under- in Theology and Religion scored, if only briefly, that ROC organized or supported a number of national The publishing houses run by different and international conferences of some administrative centres of ROC have not importance. Among them, the Interna- lately had any major improvement in tional Conference on Patristics devoted either the quality or number of publi- to the memory of the Romanian patris- cations or in their visibility on the book tic scholar Ioan G. Coman (Bucharest, and media market. The scientific theo- 7-14 October 2002) and the interna- logical periodicals of different eparchies, tional symposium dedicated to the for instance, have yet to come close to memory of Romanian theologian the high standard they used to hold, Dumitru Staniloae at the Faculty of The- paradoxically, under communism.30 ology in Bucharest (11-12 November

2003). Apart from these, many official 29 ROC delegates participated actively in Some of them will be mentioned fur- recent years in inter-orthodox, ecu- ther bellow when the relationship of ROC with the other Orthodox and non- menical or simply scientific congresses, Orthodox Churches will be discussed. that are too numerous to mention indi- 30 Decent quality can be found however 29 vidually. in many of them, such as for instance Finally here, we should briefly take note Altarul Banatului (Timi≥oara), Revista Teo- of the passing away during recent years logica (Sibiu) or Teologie ≥i ViaÁa [formerly of several theologians and churchmen Mitropolia Moldovei ≥i Sucevei] (Ia≥i). 116 DRAGOS MIRSANU

Recently, the Bucharest periodical Studii Ametist, 1999) by Rev. Prof. Nicolae Teologice (edited jointly by all the fac- Dura. In 2001 and 2002, the author ulties of theology of Romania) has was recognized for this book by presti- started a new series with 4 issues a year, gious institutions, such as France’s with an articulated desire to help boost Legion of Honour (for promoting the theological research, which seems at pre- culture of French expression) and the sent to be on hold. The most respected Romanian Academy with its highest of the “official” publishing houses related award in history.33 to ROC, the “Editura Institutului Bib- To depart now from the explicitly lic ≥i de Misiune al BOR” (Publishing “Orthodox” publications, we should House of the Biblical and Missionary note here that a few periodicals run by Institute of ROC from Bucharest) has institutions related to other churches recently launched a very decent website have been founded recently and offer that may lead one to hope for the bet- a good prospect. By way of example, terment of future editorial work, as Studia Theologica (founded 2002), an well.31 Generally, it has to be said that it is still much to be desired that ROC- 31 http://www.editurapatriarhiei.ro. related publications come more to the Respectable work is being carried out by fore on the general editorial market. At other “official” ROC publishing houses, this moment they are simply and sadly e.g. ‘Trinitas’ Publishing House in Ia≥i, not in the eye of the more general edu- which however equally lacks visibility and cated public. needs promotion on the market. Most of the religious publications of an 32 It is hardly possible to mention all Orthodox Christian preference, how- their significant titles of recent years. To ever, are the outcome of the activity of give some direction nevertheless, we would have to go, for their creativity and other private publishing houses that are renewal of the theological discourse, with more or less in connection with ROC works such as Ioan I. Ica, Jr. and Ger- ecclesiastical centres or publish under mano Marani, eds., Gandirea sociala a the patronage (with the blessing) of this Bisericii [The Social Thought of the or that bishop. At this moment, the Church] (Sibiu, Deisis, 2003) and Mihail most active ones seem to be “Deisis” of NeamÁu’s book of provocative theologi- Sibiu (probably the most solid of all cal essays BufniÁa din daramaturi. Insom- post-communist publishing houses that nii teologice [Owl among Ruins. Theo- have specialized in publishing theolog- logical Insomnias], Bucharest, Anastasia, ical books) and “Sophia” of Bucharest. 2005; or with relevant translations from The previously strong posture of “Anas- the works by contemporary Orthodox tasia” Publishing House from Bucharest theologians, such as Nikolaos Matzoukas, Georgios Mantzaridis (Editura Bizantin ), seems lately to have diminished, at least a 32 Jean-Claude Larchet (Sophia) and Tris- to some degree. tam Engelhardt Jr. (Deisis). A uniquely acclaimed title during recent 33 See here a book-review of this 1023 years has been Le Régime de la synodalité pages volume by Jean-Claude Larchet: selon la législation canonique, œcumé- http://www.orthodoxie.com/2005/06/rec nique, du I-er millénaire (Editura ension_pere_.html THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 117 e-journal edited by the Greek-Catholic journal Chora. Revue d'études anciennes Faculty of Cluj-Napoca, maintains good et médiévales. Philosophie, théologie, sci- quality and has an ecumenical approach, ences (issue 2/2004). As for “Humani- publishing in different languages.34 tas”, the other leading publishing house, Another example could be the journal we may refer here to the publishing of Dialog Teologic edited by the Roman the theological writings of André Scrima, Catholic Faculty of Theology of Ia≥i that a leading Romanian figure of the last has continued to give the floor to the century. Some seven volumes have dialogue between Roman Catholic and appeared so far, most of them during Orthodox Theology. In both these and the last four years. in other periodicals affiliated with The editing of new and older transla- churches/institutions other than Ortho- tions into Romanian from patristic and dox, there exists a significant contribu- post-patristic literature in the last five tion from the part of Orthodox the- years deserves here a mention. “Deisis” ologians as well. (Sibiu) published new translations from To move further, we cannot avoid com- Isaac the Syrian, Maximus the Confes- plaining about the generally underpriv- sor, Gregory Palamas (part of a large ileged status of theology and religious project) and a volume containing Three studies on the agendas of the private, Byzantine Lives of Theotokos (Epipha- prominent publishing houses. Solid reli- nius the Monk, Symeon Metaphrastes, gious titles are not entirely lacking, how- Maximus the Confessor, apocrypha). ever. Leading Romanian publishing “Anastasia” (Bucharest) published hom- houses such as “Polirom” from Ia≥i and ilies by Gregory Palamas (a second vol- “Humanitas” from Bucharest have dis- ume of three) and several brief texts by played an increased interest in books on Jerome, Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa theology and religion. If only to men- and John Damascene (in two series, tion the major editorial events, we have Latin and Greek Fathers, respectively). first to praise the “Septuagint project” “Humanitas” (Bucharest) has continued of the Polirom Publishing House, by to republish Dumitru Stãniloae’s edi- which the first scientifically made and tion of Philocalia and has also published commented translation of the LXX has several works by Augustine. This Latin been made available as a result of the Father is the focus of a bilingual series work of independent scholars (four of from “Dacia” (Cluj-Napoca) and is also six projected volumes have appeared). an author for two other publishing The same publishing house has recently houses: “Polirom” (IaÒi) and “Nemira” offered translations of solid theological (Bucharest). The former published also works such as Claudio Moreschini and translations of the Septuagint and of The Enrico Norelli’s Early Christian Greek Sayings of the Desert Fathers, while the and Latin Literature or Jaroslav Pelikan’s latter republished older translations from The Christian Tradition (first two vol- John Chrysostom’s writings. Another umes as yet). Since 2005, Polirom has taken over the publishing and promo- 34 http://www.studiatheologica.cnet.ro/ tion of the young but solid scientific prezentare.asp 118 DRAGOS MIRSANU publishing house from Bucharest, tively; all of them, of course, come down “Sophia”, has published in its series of from a different interpretation of passed “Biblical Commentaries” older transla- times. tions from Basil the Great, John Among the problems of an ethnic char- Chrysostom, Euthymios Zigabenos and acter, we must mention here at least two Theophylact of Bulgaria. Finally, some that have not been solved but have been previously published translations of prudently tackled within the last years. works by John Chrysostom were re- First, there is the ongoing offence and edited by the “Publishing House of the hardship that the faithful of the ROC Biblical and Missionary Institute of Metropolitanate of Bessarabia (The ROC” and by “Christiana”, both from Republic of Moldova) apparently endure Bucharest.35 from the part of the clergy of the more Finally, one may find definitely note- predominantly present Metropolitanate worthy for the scientific study of religion of the Russian Orthodox Church in in recent years the activity of two inter- Moldova. The fact that the government national journals devoted to the broad of Moldova, permanently hostile to the field of the history of religions: Archaeus. recognition of the “new” structure under Journal in the History of Religions ROC,37 was forced to acknowledge its (founded 1997, new international series right to exist as a consequence of a deci- since 2001) and Studia Asiatica. Inter- sion in the European Court for Human national Journal of Asian Studies Rights (31 July 2002), has not really (founded 2000). Both of them are edited changed the miserable state of affairs by the Romanian Association for the imposed on the faithful, particularly on History of Religions and by the Centre the clergy. ROC can do little to soften for the History of Religions at the Uni- the hardships, unless better times should versity of Bucharest.36 come, when a real dialogue could be carried out with the Russian Orthodox Church. Another confusing situation B. ROC’s International Activities has been created and sustained by the refusal of the leaders of the Serbian 1. ROC and Its “Diaspora” Orthodox Church to allow a bishopric instead of a vicariate for a Romanian From the point of view of its structure Orthodox Bishopric in Serbia and Mon- outside Romania and its spiritual influ- ence in general, ROC has continued to 35 suffer from a heated situation in more I would like to thank here my friend than one place on the globe. The issues Rev. Drago≥ Bahrim (Ia≥i) for the helpful information he provided me with, which that have kept an inflamed relationship allowed me to compose this brief note on with different groups or authorities out- patristic literature. side Romania can be most probably 36 www.rahr.ro sorted out in two categories according 37 In 1992, ROC had ‘unilaterally’ reac- to the reason behind them: of an eth- tivated the Metropolitanate, on the basis nical and of an ethical character, respec- of ethnic and historical arguments. THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 119 tenegro seated in Var≥eÁ. ROC has been Romanian community and ROC, but criticised for expansionism, intrusion also towards reconciliation between the on the spiritual territory of the Serbian ROC ecclesiastical structures in the USA Orthodox Church and attempting to and the Romanian ecclesiastical struc- “Romanianize” a neighbouring region tures that belong to OCA. Further in Serbia. This attitude might be partly moves are to be carefully judged if full due to the approval by the Romanian reconciliation is to be achieved.38 state leaders of the last NATO inter- vention in former Yugoslavia. 2. ROC and Its Inter-Orthodox Rela- We may draw attention, on the other tions hand, to the problems of an ethical character with which ROC has had to deal. At the heart of the “inter-orthodox” rela- Until recently, ROC has had little suc- tions must remain the fundamental con- cess in finding a way to bring closer viction that there is but one Orthodox those communities in the West that are Church. Sadly, due to the present state composed of people who fled into exile of relations this belief appears less as a during communism and who have con- reality than as a historically (re)continued to wish for radical changes structed image. For its part, ROC has amongst the ROC hierarchs. In their always valued highly its relations with eyes, former collaborating hierarchs the other orthodox Churches but the should have stepped down to visibly results of this attempt have been uneven. leave ROC cleansed of any spot left after We have already mentioned the diffi- all the undignified activities under the culties ROC has in its dialogue with former regime. However, a major victory the Serbian and Russian Orthodox was won in spring of last year in the Churches, respectively. The relation with case of part of the Romanian commu- these two has remained sour during nity in Paris (with a hopeful view toward recent years. Maybe the first event wor- a soon-to-happen full embrace). On the thy of being mentioned here with regard occasion of the ordination of a new aux- to some improvement of the relationship iliary bishop for the ROC Metropoli- with the Russian Orthodox Church is tan See for Western and Southern the participation of a Romanian dele- Europe, fresh solid steps were made gation of theologians led by Metropol- toward reconciliation with the Roman- ian old parish “Holy Archangels 38 Michael, Gabriel and Rafael” of Rue It is worth noting too that the newly Jean de Beauvais. Under the temporary ordained bishop, Marc Alric, a French- spiritual guidance of the Romanian man by birth, is the first non-Romanian to become member of the Holy Synod of Archbishop of Detroit in the USA (!), ROC. Some saw in this a most auspicious part of the Orthodox Church in Amer- sign of a step away from the narrowness ica (OCA), this parish church has wel- of an ethnically defined, faulty ecclesiol- comed the ordination of a bishop from ogy allegedly professed by ROC (and in ROC, a greatly appreciated step toward fact by the better part of the auto- reconciliation between the French- cephalous Orthodox Churches). 120 DRAGOS MIRSANU itan Daniel of Moldavia and Bukovina by the (late) Petros VII, Pope and Patri- at an international conference organized arch of Alexandria and All Africa.43 Still in Moscow in November 2003. On that in 2003, in November, another note- occasion it appears that a first invitation worthy visit was paid by Archbishop was made to Patriarch Alexey II to visit Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania.44 Romania.39 On a different, but equally Finally, the Ecumenical Patriarch high level, the Romanian minister for Bartholomew I came to Romania as a foreign affairs, Mihai Razvan Ungure- guest of ROC, in 2004 and 2005. On anu, was welcomed in Moscow by the this latter occasion, in March 2005, he Primate of the Russian Orthodox was a guest of honour, most meaning- Church on 12 October 2005. Though fully, at the celebration of the 120th it is likely that the discussion did not anniversary of the granting of the auto- exceed the exchange of courtesies, the cephaly and 80th of the elevation to the very occurrence of the visit is not to be status of patriarchate. All in all, these overlooked.40 Finally, another event visits, as well as the few visits paid back could have borne some significance for by Romanian official delegations espe- the relationship between the two cially at Constantinople/Istanbul, made churches. On the 12-13 November it clear to many that a warm climate 2005, Patriarch Alexey came to Kishinev, based on respect and love has been the capital of Moldova, in order to have clearly established between ROC and a new bishop ordained for Nisporeni. the churches in the Greek-speaking This visit is Patriarch Alexey’s second world. after the one paid in 1990: it is thus the Finally, mention has to be made of the first after the controversy with the two 9th Annual meeting of the General opposing Metropolitanates.41 What message was sent to the Holy Synod of ROC 39 More recently, in November 2005, by this visit is not clear, but it is not another small delegation of three Roman- hard to guess either. No official state- ian theologians was invited to another ment has yet been made by either part. conference on the ‘Eschatological Teach- By far, ROC enjoys the most cordial ing of the Church’, but this probably relations with the Orthodox hierarchy in brought little or no benefit for the better the Greek speaking world, especially understanding between the hierarchs of with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the two Churches. the Church of Greece, but also with the 40 See the news from the Press Service of patriarchates of Jerusalem and Alexan- the Russian Patriarchate: http://eng.sed- dria and with the Church of Albania. mitza.ru/index.html?sid=69&did=1513 41 Same source, http://eng.sedmitza.ru/ Significant visits highlighted this rich index.html?sid=70&did=1565 dynamics. In June 2003, the Archbishop 42 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. of Athens and all Greece, Christodou- 316-317. los (together with a large delegation) 43 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. paid an official visit to Romania at the 320-321. invitation of Patriarch Teoctist.42 Later 44 Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. that year, in September, a visit was made 324. THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 121

Assembly of the “Interparliamentary Christian Unity, Patriarch Teoctist and Assembly on Orthodoxy” (IAO) in the rest of the Romanian delegation Bucharest, on the June 27-30, 2002. were warmly welcomed by Pope John Under the title “Globalization and II in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Orthodoxy”, the IAO meeting has Among the many activities of the dele- focused on the role of Orthodoxy in the gation, later that week, on 12 October, EU, on the appreciation of the Ortho- the theologians of the ROC delegation dox culture as a factor of unity in East- had a discussion with members of the ern Europe and on the mediating role Pontifical Council for Promoting Christ- for Europe with other cultures.45 ian Unity with reference to the theological dialogue between the Orthodox 3. ROC and Its Ecumenical Relations Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Then the members of ROC’s The many ecumenical actions that ROC delegation were guests at the Apostolic has undertaken in the recent years and, Palace, where Patriarch Teoctist and Pope indeed, the truly honest hope of the John Paul II signed a Joint Statement majority of the Romanian Orthodox for reaffirming the need for dialogue dialogue and eventual communion with between the two Churches and the other Christians, have made ROC desire for collaboration in various appear as, probably the most ecumeni- fields.47 First, the document insists on cally-minded Orthodox Church today. the relationship between this meeting Surely the most memorable event among and the visit to Romania the pope had all ecumenical acts of ROC during the interval 2002-6 was the visit paid by 45 Patriarch Teoctist to the Vatican, at the V. Fatu, ‘Globalizare ≥i Ortodoxie’, Bis- erica Ortodox Rom n , 120 (2002), 1-6, invitation of Pope John Paul II, on 7- a a a 46 pp. 160-165; Biserica Ortodoxa Romana 14 October 2002. The visit was in 120 (2002), 7-9, pp. 7-13. See also response to the historical visit that the http://www.eiao.org/english/assemby_me pope had made on 7-9 May 1999 to etings/bucharest.htm Bucharest. The delegation was made up 46 See the dedicated ‘Special Issue’ of the of Their Eminences the Metropolitans News Bulletin of the Romanian Patriar- Daniel of Moldavia and Bukovina, Teo- chate, (2002) 7-8: http://www.patri- fan of Oltenia, Iosif of the ROC See for arhia.ro/eng/pub/archives.php# and, in Western and Meridional Europe and detail, ‘Cele ≥apte zile ale vizitei Prea Archbishop Nifon of Târgovi≥te, the Fericitului Parinte Patriarh Teoctist ≥i a Rev. Professors Dumitru Popescu, Nico- delegaÁiei Bisericii Ortodoxe Romane la Vatican ≥i n Italia (7-14 octombrie lae Necula and Ioan Chivu, the Patri- i 2002)’ Biserica Ortodoxa Romana, 120 archal Counsellor Rev. Michael TiÁa, the (2002), 10-12, pp. 6-93. Press Officer of the Romanian Patriar- 47 The English version may be found at chate, Rev. Costel Stoica, and Deacon http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_ Costin Spiridon. After a first welcome paul_ii/speeches/2002/october/docu at the airport by Cardinal Walter Kasper, ments/hf_jp-ii_spe_20021012_john President of the Pontifical Council for -paul-ii-teoctist_en.html 122 DRAGOS MIRSANU made two years before. Second, it rec- President of the Pontifical Council for ommends that the mutual respect shown Christian Unity and His Eminence Car- by the pope and the patriarch should dinal Francis Eugene George, Arch- be seen by the faithful of the two bishop of Chicago. Second, and more churches in Romania as a model to love significantly, the next morning, Sunday one another. Third, the document the 13th, Patriarch Teoctist and the rest acknowledges the existence of a solid of the delegation attended the Mass cel- common foundation and promotes full ebrated by His Holiness Pope John Paul communion in the future: ‘Our rela- II in the basilica of Saint Peter, in the tions must reflect the real and profound presence of more than six thousand communion in Christ, that already exists faithful. between us, even if it is not yet full. In All in all, the visit has been highly suc- fact, we recognize with joy that we pos- cessful and has been considered, both sess together the tradition of the undi- in Romania and elsewhere, one more vided Church centred on the mystery significant step toward building a much of the Eucharist, to which the saints we desired reconciliation between the have in common in our calendars bear Roman Catholic and the Orthodox witness’. A fourth point expressed a con- Churches. cern for the difficulties encountered by Also in that line, we have to mention the Joint International Commission for here an event that shows ROC’s preoc- Theological Dialogue between the Catholic cupation with the continuation of the Church and the Orthodox Church and a theological dialogue between the hope for the reactivation of the activity Catholic Church and the Orthodox of the commission. Finally, in a fifth Church. On 13-14 March 2003, the point, mentioned is made of a common Orthodox leaders of the Joint Interna- witness the Christians of both East and tional Commission for Theological Dia- West are called to give in an enlarging logue between the Catholic Church and the Europe. Orthodox Church, Metropolitans John Among the ecumenical services held in of Pergam and Gennadios of Sassima the presence of Patriarch Teoctist and were welcomed in Bucharest for con- the other ROC delegates, the most sig- sultations with respect to the rejuvena- nificant were two. First, a religious ser- tion of the disturbed state of the dia- vice was held during the afternoon of the logue after Baltimore 2000. The 12th of October in the church of Saint delegation of the Ecumenical Patriar- Bartholomew in the Tiberine Island ded- chate visited several autocephalous icated to the witnesses of faith in the Churches at that time in order to learn 20th century, among whom many hier- about their position with regard to the archs, priests and Orthodox, Catholic necessity of reinstating the dialogue, and and Greek-Catholic faithful from Roma- on what terms. As a conclusion of the nia. Present at this ecumenical celebra- meeting, ROC favoured the continuation were His Eminence Cardinal tion of the dialogue. However, the issue Camillo Ruini, Vicar General of Rome, of uniatism must not be overlooked but His Eminence Cardinal Walter Kasper, treated with special attention in the con- THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH 123 text of the more general issue of pri- notably by sharing its experience in what macy in the Church. It was hoped as concerns the problem of human traf- well that the Roman Catholic Church ficking and the relevance of the Charta would do more in the future to apply Oecumenica.51 On 13-18 December the recommendations of the Balamand 2003, the first meeting of the newly meeting.48 elected Central Committee of the CEC’ ROC has organized or participated in a was summoned in Geneva. ROC was number of international ecumenical represented by Metropolitan Daniel in events. To give only one example, on the presidium, His Eminence being also 17-19 September 2002, the Metropol- the ROC representative in the Joint itanate of Moldavia and Bukovina in Committee for Dialogue between CEC co-operation with the State Secretary and CCEE (The Council of the Euro- for Religious Groups, the Roman pean Episcopal Roman Catholic Con- Catholic diocese of Ia≥i and the Roman ferences), while in the commission Catholic diocese of Padua (Italy) orga- “Church and Society”, ROC was rep- nized the first international colloquium resented by Rev. Alexandru Gherasim under the general theme “Church and from the Faculty of Theology of Society” under the title “Being a Bishop Bucharest.52 Apart from that, as far as Today: The Dignity and Difficulties of the activity of the World Council of a Mission”. The discussions revolved Churches is concerned, ROC has just around three main themes: “The Bishop been honoured to have a member in as Guardian of Local Church and of the Universal Faith”; “The Bishop as Teacher 48 of the Gospel and Chances for Evange- Vestitorul Ortodoxiei, 15 (2003), no. lization Today”; and “The Bishop, Spir- 310. 49 N. Dasc lu, ‘Colocviul ecumenic itual Father in a Secular World”.49 The a internaÁional A fi episcop astazi. Demni- next edition of this colloquium was orga- tatea ≥i dificultaÁile unei misiuni’, Can- nized under the same auspices on 24-26 dela Moldovei (2002), 7-9: http://www. 50 September 2003 at Praglia near Padua. trinitas.ro/editura/cm/articol.php?an=200 With respect to ROC’s participation in 2&luna=08-09&art=5 international forums, we have to men- 50 Daniel, Metropolitan of Moldavia and tion that during these years it has had Bukovia, ‘PrezenÁa romaneasca la Coloc- a very active role in the life of the Con- viul internaÁional ecumenic de la Padova’, ference of European Churches. CEC 12th Candela Moldovei (2003), 10: 2-3 51 Assembly Meeting took place in Trond- Most Rev. Ciprian Campineanul, ‘Iisus heim, Norway, on 25 June – 2 July 2003 Hristos vindeca ≥i reconciliaza – Marturia under the theme of “Jesus Christ Heals noastra in Europa (A 12-a Adunare a ConferinÁei Bisericilor Europene)’, Can- and Reconciles. Our Witness in dela Moldovei (2003), 7-8: Europe”. The Romanian delegation was http://www.trinitas.ro/editura/cm/ led by Metropolitan Daniel of Moldavia articol.php?an=2003&luna=07-08&art=1 and Bukovina, member of the CEC pre- 52 ‘Noua conducere a ConferinÁei Biseri- sidium, and has contributed a great deal cilor Europene (KEK)’, Candela Moldovei at different stages of the discussion, most (2003), 11-12, pp. 22-23. 124 DRAGOS MIRSANU the new WCC Executive Committee in the person of Archbishop Nifon of Tar- govi≥te.53 Finally, we have to make note of ROC’s attitude on the occasion of the unfortunate death of Brother Roger from the community of Taizé, France. As it hap- pened that the murderer was a Roman- ian woman, the public in Romania felt deep sympathy for the community at Taizé and all the people who cared for the movement. As a sort of response, ROC appointed one of the auxiliary bishops in France, Most Rev. Marc Alric to represent ROC at the funeral on 23 August 2005. The service was broad- cast live by the main national TV chan- nel, and other documentaries and discussions on Brother Roger and the Taizé movement were shown as well.

53 http://www.wcc-assembly.info/en/ news-media/news/english-news/article/ 1801/new-wcc-central-committee.html