On May 25, at the „Mitropolitul Dosoftei” Orthodox High Theological Seminary in Suceava, took place the launch of the book „Letters from Father - sharing with God”, signed by Father Archimandrite Iustin Taban and published by Crimca Publishing House. The event was held with the blessing of His Most Reverend Father Calinic, Archbishop of Suceava and Rădăuților, and gathered people close to culture, literature and spiritual life of Bucovina.

During the presentation it was emphasized that „Letters from my Father” is a book of religious reflection, deeply confessive and literary, built in the form of a dialogue between the Heavenly Father and the man who is trying to understand his life, his wounds and his meaning.

The poet and essayist Alexandru Ovidiu Vintilă, PhD in history, member of the Romanian Writers„ Union and president of the Society of Writers from Bukovina, spoke about the deeply personal and authentic dimension of the book. He described the book as ”a poetics of the self„, its structure resembling the famous epistolary model of Kafka's ”Letter to the Father", but in a spiritual and luminous key.

In his speech, Alexandru Ovidiu Vintilă emphasized that the book proposes „a lived, authentic dialogue” in which man is called to „a continuous deciphering” of his own existence and his relationship with God. He also noted that one of the great successes of the book is the light it transmits and the way in which the author masters and develops the theme of communion and dialog. „It is a book about mysteries,” he said.

Mrs. Alis Niculică, head of office at the Bucovina Library „I. G. Sbiera” in Suceava, spoke about her personal encounter with the texts of Father Iustin. She confessed that when she received the first letter by e-mail from the author, she had the feeling that the text was addressed directly to her. In her intervention, she emphasized that in the pages of this book, love is discovered in people, in nature and in the simple things of everyday life.

At the same time, Mrs. Alis Niculică noted how the author transforms his own inner emptiness „into an academy of meanings”, pointing out that, although he speaks about himself, Father Justin speaks, in fact, about the experiences and wounds of many people.

The writer Paraschiva Abutnăriței, president of the „Arboroasa” Branch of the „Pro Bessarabia and Bucovina” Association from Vatra Dornei, emphasized the importance of inner and spiritual progress, showing that man is called to grow in understanding and sensitivity.

In the final part of the meeting, Fr. Archimandrite Justin Taban spoke about the discreet way in which God works in human life, saying that „God conquers your thoughts before you understand it”.

During the event, excerpts from the book were also read, including the passages „Know, first of all, that you are a happy idea of Mine” or „He wrote me letters in peacetime, in the peace of His heart”, which set the tone for a meeting that spoke about man's search, his wounds, love and the mysterious way in which God continues to draw near to each soul.

The volume „Letters from Father - sharing with God” continues the direction cultivated by Father Justin Taban in other publications published by Crimca Publishing House, such as „Do you believe that I love you?” or „Thoughts from Father to Son”, books that explore the relationship between God and contemporary man in a warm, poetic and deeply personal language.

The volumes can be found in the Crimca online shop.

Priest Dr. Ștefănel-Stelian Ciurciun,

Director of the Publishing and Printing Department

Articolul Întâlnirile Crimca / Lansarea volumului „Scrisori de la Tata” de părintele arhimandrit Iustin Taban apare prima dată în Editura CRIMCA.

The event brought together clergy, researchers and many lovers of Church history in a common endeavor to better understand the role that the Bucovina Church Fund has played in the ecclesial, cultural and social life of this region.

From the very beginning, the meeting was placed under the sign of faith, with the Easter hymn „Christ is Risen!”, a gesture that set the tone for an evening in which academic reflection was naturally interwoven with the awareness of belonging to the Church.  

A key institution in the history of Bukovina

In the interventions, it was emphasized that the Church Fund, established in 1783, was a concrete expression of the Church's concern for the life of the community, concentrating monastery and episcopal legacies and supporting, over time, the central institutions of the church life in Bucovina.

At the same time, it was emphasized the moment of rupture that occurred in 1948, when the patrimony of the Fund was abusively confiscated by the communist regime, which deeply affected the autonomy and functioning of the Church in this part of the country.  

In the current context, the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților continues its efforts to recover this heritage, through a serious approach, based on historical documentation and solid legal arguments.

Academic contributions and archival research

An important moment of the colloquium was the conference given by deac. Mircea-Gheorghe Abrudan, researcher at the Institute of History „George Barițiu”. His lecture brought to the forefront the results of in-depth research in archives in the country and abroad, providing a clear picture of the real status of the Church Fund and the abusive nature of its confiscation.

It was also emphasized that these approaches are not just a one-off, but are based on years of research, careful consultation of documents and collaboration between specialists from different fields.

Launch of the book „The Church Fund in Bucovina (1783-1949)”

The meeting continued with the launch of the „The Church Fund in Bucovina (1783-1949)”, by Fr. Sorin-Toader Clipa, published by Crimca Publishing House.

The author of the book is the parish priest of the Parish „St. Hierarch Spiridon” in Suceava and is known for the rigor and perseverance with which he approached this topic. 

The work, over 1000 pages long, is the result of over two decades of research and is one of the most extensive contributions on the subject. The author reconstructs, with rigor and attention to detail, the evolution of the Church Fund - from the time of its creation, to its dissolution during the communist period and to contemporary attempts to recover it.

The volume is an important tool for understanding the legal and institutional framework of this reality, providing a solid basis for current efforts to regain heritage. 

A joint effort, carried forward

In closing, thanks were expressed to all those involved in the organization of the event: His Eminence the Most Reverend Father Calinic, the guests, the participants, the organizing team, as well as to the staff of the Crimca Publishing House and Printing House for printing the volume.

The event was both an academic meeting and a new opportunity to better understand a heritage that belongs both to the Church and to society as a whole. It was an evening to talk openly about the past, with responsibility, but also with a sense of what we have to do next.

Volume „The Church Fund in Bucovina (1783-1949)” can be purchased on the Crimca Publishing House website.

Priest Dr. Ștefănel-Stelian Ciurciun,

Director of the Publishing and Printing Department 

Articolul Întâlnirile Crimca / Colocviu istoric și lansare de carte la Suceava: o recuperare a memoriei și a adevărului despre Fondul Bisericesc din Bucovina apare prima dată în Editura CRIMCA.

The fulfillment of this goal was confirmed again today, January 27, 2024, when the members of the Diocesan Assembly of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți gathered for their annual working session. It is no coincidence that the report on the diocese’s activities for the year 2023 was presented on the day of remembrance Aducerthe relics of Saint John Chrysostomr, Patriarch of Constantinople, and a Saint Marciana, Empress, a clergyman and a layperson who were among the most diligent workers in the field of Christ’s Church.

At the opening, His Eminence Calinic, Archbishop of Suceava and Rădăuți, and His Grace Damaschin Dorneanul, Vicar Bishop, diocesan councilors and inspectors, as well as members of the church council, clergy, and laity, were present at the service of Te-Deum held in the chapel of the „Saint John the New of Suceava” Monastery under the leadership of Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic, exarch of the monasteries, together with the five protoiereis of the diocese. During the prayer service held after the Holy and Divine Liturgy, thanks were given to God for the blessings bestowed upon the faithful throughout the diocese and for all the works accomplished during the past year. The liturgical responses were provided by the „Dimitrie Suceveanu” Psaltic Group of the Archiepiscopal Cathedral, conducted by Archdeacon Ilie Leonte.

Next, in the „Pimen the Archbishop” Hall of the Suceava Eparchial Center, under the presidency of His Eminence Calinic, after the roll call, the working session was held.

At the start of the meeting, Archimandrite Paraschiv Dabija, administrative vicar of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, presented the general report of the Diocesan Administration’s departments, highlighting the activities carried out during the year dedicated by the Romanian Orthodox Church „Pastoral Care for the Elderly” and „Hymnographers and Church Singers (Psaltes).”.

The Administrative Vicar concluded: „I would like to thank both Your Eminence and the Diocesan Assembly for the trust you place in us—those of us in the Archdiocesan Chancery and Administration—as servants, knowing full well that in the Church there are no ranks of power, but only ranks of service. I would also like to draw attention to a passage—a teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ—when, in His farewell discourse, He says to His disciples: In my Father’s house there are many rooms; I am going to prepare a place for you. So Christ, through His work, prepares place in niches for people. And we, as if in a mirror, in our own way, with His gifts from among His own, prepare place in places for God: places of prayer, places of culture, places of education, places of rest and healing, places of salvation and light. All of this so that we ourselves may become divine abodes and icons of the true God.”

To showcase the rich and beautiful creations, those in attendance had the opportunity to watch a video summary prepared by the Sector Media and Communication the numerous events held in 2023 in the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți through its relevant departments and partner institutions, organized into three areas: administrative-pastoral and economic-heritage, cultural-missionary and educational, and social-philanthropic.

Among the main achievements are: the completion and reopening of the „Cazinoul Băilor” Museum and Multicultural Center, the addition of four new monasteries to the diocese, the consecration of the Sihăstria Râșcăi monastic complex, the organization of the National Religion Olympiad for theological seminaries, and the hosting of events under the auspices of „Ciprian Porumbescu” Cultural Year”, implementation of the project „A Prayer Book as a Gift for Romanian Souls” (for Romanian families in Ukraine), the provision of social and philanthropic support to more than 60,000 people, the continuation of the „Daring on the Path of Knowledge” camp series, and the start of the process of consolidation and restoration of the building complex of the „Saint John the New of Suceava” Monastery.

Also among the highlights of last year were: the first-ever organization of the procession with the relics of Saint Leontius of Rădăuți, the procession through the diocese with the relics of Saint John the New for the fourth consecutive year, training courses for the diocese’s young priests, the organization of the event „The Centennial of the Army of the Lord—History and Current Events,” the launch of the catechetical project „The Youth of Bukovina, Guardians of the Ancestral Treasure,” the holding of the „Mușatinilor Cup” and „Domnițelor Cup” sports competitions, and the implementation of the „Children’s Liturgy” program by Education Day, continuation of projects – the national recitation contest „A Child’s Voice – The Mother of God, God’s Gift to Mankind,” the „Sound of the Wooden Bell” Contest, „Bible Hour,” and symposia dedicated to figures such as Anastasie Crimca, Bartolomeu Anania, Miron Barnovschi, Simeon Florea Marian, Iraclie Porumbescu, and others.

Along with His Eminence the Archbishop, the event was attended by His Grace Damaschin Dorneanul, Vicar Bishop; representatives of the Diocesan Chancery and Administration; members of the Diocesan Assembly committees, and representatives of public institutions, including Mr. Gheorghe Alexandru Moldovan, Prefect of Suceava County; Mr. Niculai Barbă, Vice President of the Suceava County Council; and Mr. Ion Lungu, the Mayor of Suceava.

The entire administrative staff was commended for their work, as well as for the painstaking preparation of the activity report, compiled into a volume with exceptional graphic design, printed by the Crimca Publishing House of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, totaling nearly 600 pages.

Following the presentation of the report, committee meetings and a plenary session were held, and the proceedings concluded with remarks from guests, representatives of local institutions, and members of the Diocesan Assembly—both ex officio and honorary.

Mr. Ion Lungu praised the work presented today and emphasized that the institution he leads will continue to support the Archdiocese’s projects, given the significant impact of the Church’s work in all areas: cultural, educational, liturgical, missionary, social, etc. in the Suceava community and beyond.

The message from Gheorghe Flutur, President of the Suceava County Council, was delivered by Mr. Niculai Barbă, Vice President. He emphasized the importance of partnerships—some of which are funded by the European Union—aimed at promoting the region’s cultural and historical heritage in order to increase its appeal on Romania’s religious tourism map.

In his remarks, Mr. Gheorghe Alexandru Moldovan highlighted the fruitful mission of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, emphasizing the call to be a model for others—a principle that everyone should put into practice in their daily lives. „I would like to convey the best wishes and prayers for good health from the staff of the Prefect’s Office, and I pray to God to give you the strength to continue the projects aimed at developing our community. Perhaps the most important message I take with me as I leave here today is one that I also take as a personal call to action: to be a guiding light among people. (…) I’ll conclude by highlighting last year’s wonderful achievements, which were made possible by a clear vision, the wide range of activities carried out by the Archdiocese, and the excellent collaboration with the county administration and local governments.”

Mr. Grigore Bocanci, general inspector at the Suceava County School Inspectorate, praised the Archdiocese’s role in educating and shaping the younger generation, both through religion classes and through partnerships with other institutions.

Dr. Valeriu Gavrilovici, a member of the Diocesan Assembly and representative of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți in the National Church Assembly, spoke to those present about the significance of the year 2024 in the Romanian Patriarchate, dedicated to those suffering both mentally and physically, issuing a challenge to the doctors present and to those close to the Church: „Let us commit to honoring this year as it deserves— Year tribute pastoral care and care for the sick”.

Next, the protoiereus of the Câmpulung Moldovenesc Deanery, Fr. Aurel Goraș, noted that the pace and consistency of the Archdiocese’s work in recent years are primarily due to the existence of a diocesan plan, the outlines of which were drawn up from the very beginning, in 2020, by the current local bishop, to which all those who seek the good of the Church in these lands should adhere with rigor and consistency.

Brigadier General (Ret.) Ion Burlui, president of the „Plăieșii” Suceava County Branch of the „Regina Maria” National Association for the Cult of Heroes, emphasized in his speech the need to preserve the memory of our forebears, especially in today’s society, by reaching out to the youth of our homeland—the Romanians who will carry forward the spiritual and cultural values of this nation.

Among other things, the head of the „Silva-Bucovina” forest district, Mr. Gheorghe Negură, spoke about the persistent work that will undoubtedly bear good fruit in the future, just like a tree that, although it starts out as a small seed, when cared for with love and dedication, can yield countless benefits over the years.

Mrs. Prof. Daniela Ceredeev, inspector for discipline religion, ... expressed his gratitude for the support received in carrying out numerous projects with students and young people, noting the exceptional response to the guidelines compiled by His Eminence Father Calinic, especially the one dedicated to students and academic competition participants.

Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic recalled some of the commemorative events of 2024. Melchisedec Velnic recalled some of the commemorative events of the year 2024: the 400th anniversary of the birth of Saint Dosoftei, Metropolitan of Moldavia; the 520th anniversary of the passing of Voivode Stephen the Great; 100 years since the birth of His Grace Father Gherasim of Putna and 20 years since his passing, and the centennial of the birth of Father Iachint Unciuleac, the spiritual father of Bukovina.

In his remarks, Mr. Paul Nică, director of Dedeman Suceava, emphasized the need to serve those in need with constant, not occasional, love, noting the danger of good deeds left undone and of good not done well. He referred to an unfortunately common situation in which a material gift is not enough to truly help our neighbor, since what they need most is for us to be there for them, to guide them, and to help them make the most of what they receive so they can enjoy it in the long term.

In closing, Mr. Bogdan Andrei Loghin, mayor of Rădăuți, remarked that the „Path of Saint Leontius” procession was a truly special event and promised that, regardless of the role he will play in the community from now on, he will support the annual revival of this moving event.

In his closing remarks, His Eminence Calinic reiterated the importance of communion in the work and ministry of the Church, following the model of the Holy Trinity. „In my remarks, I do not wish to repeat what has already been said, but I would like to express my gratitude to His Grace Damaschin Dorneanul, Vicar Bishop, the administrative vicar, the priests and council members, the exarchs, and the archpriests, with whom I have consulted in carrying out what has been brought to your attention. I would like to make myself clear; what has been accomplished in this diocese—not only in the past year, but over the three years and more since I became the local bishop—is not the work of a single person, but a joint effort, with each person having his own role and purpose.”

Expressing his gratitude to all those who made this fruitful review possible—representatives of civil society and the clergy— His Eminence added: „To you, the members of the Diocesan Council and Assembly—both ex officio and honorary—I thank you because, as I reviewed the reports you submitted to the Diocesan Chancery, my heart was filled with joy upon realizing that we have a Diocesan Assembly that works with great dedication in the service of the Church. As I like to say, We have a vibrant Diocesan Assembly. (…) Let us hope that this year, if the global geopolitical and military situation does not deteriorate, we will continue our ongoing projects and begin new ones, so that by the time of the next diocesan assembly—if God so permits—many of them will be completed. Of course, in bringing these to fruition, I place my hope first and foremost in God’s help and in the support of my collaborators and of all of you. Let us thank the Most Merciful God for everything and ask Him to continue to keep us under His holy protection! And do not forget that the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți needs a plot of land to build an archdiocesan cathedral befitting this diocese, so that the faithful who come to services no longer have to stand outside, especially in winter, as has been the case for the past four winters. I embrace you all equally and wish you many happy and healthy years from God, filled with blessings. Thank you!”

The Diocesan Assembly of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți is the deliberative body responsible for all administrative, cultural, social-philanthropic, economic, and patrimonial matters of the diocese. It consists of 10 representatives of the clergy and 20 representatives of the lay faithful, elected once every four years. Three of them serve as the diocese’s delegates to the National Church Assembly. The current Diocesan Assembly of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți was established on June 4, 2022.

Daniela Livadaru

Irina Ursachi

Articolul Adunarea Eparhială a Arhiepiscopiei Sucevei și Rădăuților – 2023, de la proiect la faptă apare prima dată în Editura CRIMCA.