After Monday and Tuesday of this week were dedicated to the priests' conferences in the Deaneries of Câmpulung Moldovenesc and Fălticeni, today, Thursday, November 3, 2022, it was the turn of the clergy of the Deaneries of Suceava I and Suceava II to participate in the third priests' conference organized this autumn in the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților.
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Calinic, the pastoral-missionary meeting whose theme was given by the specificity of the year 2022 in the Romanian Patriarchate, „The Homage Year of Prayer in the life of the Church and the Christian” and „The Commemorative Year of the Isihatic Saints Simeon the New Theologian, Gregory Palamas and Paisios of Neamt”, took place at the Eparchial Center Suceava.
The more than 200 clergy from the two dioceses began the day in a spirit of prayer, in the morning the Holy and Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Church of „St. Great Martyr Gheorghe” of the Monastery „St. John the New from Suceava” by the priests of the Suceava I and II dioceses, under the patronage of His Eminence Archbishop Calinic, together with the Most Reverend Father Damaschin Dorneanul, Bishop-Vicar, Archbishop. Paraschiv Dabija, administrative vicar, and the dean priests Fr. Ionel Doru Budeanu and Fr. Minu Mititelu.
The liturgical responses were given by the Priestly Choir „Stefan Nosievici” of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, founded in 2021 at the initiative and with the blessing of His Eminence Calinic. The choral group includes priests and deacons from all the five diocesan dioceses: Suceava I and Suceava II, Fălticeni, Rădăuți and Câmpulung Moldovenesc. They are conducted by Fr. Ionel Doru Budeanu, protoprioress of the Suceava I Deanery, first conductor, and Fr. Ciprian Constantin Curcă, second conductor. Among the most important prizes obtained as a result of their participation in various competitions are First Prize at the 41st International Festival of Orthodox Church Music in Hajnowka, Poland, September 14-18, 2022.
At the end of the Mass, His Eminence Calinic ordained four clerics from the Suceava II Deanery as Stavrophor Iconon.
Priests who have distinguished themselves by an outstanding pastoral-missionary activity were highlighted, Fr. Constantin Oprea, counselor of the Cultural Sector, reading the titles of the distinctions offered by His All-Holiness Archbishop Calinic. Order „Bukovina Cross”, the highest distinction of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, was awarded to the fathers, Ionel Doru Budeanu and Minu Mititelu.
The Order „St. Great Martyr John the New of Suceava”, presented by His Eminence the Most Reverend Father Damaschin Dorneanul, was offered to some worthy servants of the holy altars, as well as to the winners of the Eparchial Contest „The most well-kept cemetery”, because they followed the example of „the young man, wise in the ways of God, who devotedly fulfilled his service and based his Orthodox faith on the understanding of the Gospel, courageously witnessing it to his fellow men by deed and word”. Pr. Dimitrie Horga presented the rankings and His Eminence Archbishop Calinic presented the diplomas.
In Suceava I, First Prize was obtained by the Parish „Sfinții Arhangheli” from Suceava (Old Pacea), represented by Fr. Stefan - Dobrin Hisem. Second prize was awarded to Fr. Constantin Chelba from Dumbrăveni IV Parish, and Third prize arrived at Costina Orthodox Parish, Fr. Ionel - Daniel Medrihan.
The prizes of the Suceava II Deanery were awarded as follows: First Prize - Paltinoasa I Parish - Fr. Florin Aldea and Paltinoasa II Parish - Fr. Mihai Manolache; Second prize - Parish „Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel” Ruși Mănăstioara - Fr. Ionel Romega; Third prize - Corlata Parish - Fr. Dănuț Petrică Andronic.
The members of the Stefan Nosievici Choir also received Order „Bukovina Cross” for the prize at the International Festival of Orthodox Church Music in Hajnowka - Poland.
Along with those who took part in the Holy Mass, the representatives of the relevant sectors of the Suceava Eparchial Center joined the conference chaired by His Eminence Archbishop Calinic, in the „Pimen Archbishop” Hall of the Suceava Eparchial Center.
After the recitation of the prayer followed the roll call and the word of welcome by His Eminence Archbishop Calinic. The priestly conference began with the work of the Suceava I Deanery. Prof. Dr. Adrian Duțuc, from the Church „St. Dumitru” in Suceava, gave a presentation entitled „Prayer, the breath of the Church - biblical and philocalical landmarks”. By presenting fragments from the Old and New Testament and from collection of the writings of the Holy Fathers, His Holiness emphasized that only through prayer the relationship between man and God is alive.
„The Jesus Prayer reaches the core of Byzantine spirituality. Name The Word Incarnate is attached to man's vital functions, it is present in the heart, it is connected with breathing. The names of many Fathers of the Church are indissolubly linked with Isishasm: Maxim the Confessor (who develops the doctrine of the deification), St. Simeon the New Theologian (the author of the most moving descriptions of the encounter with Christ), St. Nechiphor of Solitude - the Italian Isishahast with his treatise On the defense of the heart (until the 13th century there was a Latin monastery on Mount Athos, Amalfion, a amalfiților, for monks who came mainly from the town of Amalfi and lived according to the monastic rules of St. Benedict of Nursia), in sec. XIII-XIV centuries St. Gregory the Sinaite (who would have brought and rooted the prayer of the heart in Athos and in the Slavic countries), St. Gregory Palamas (who develops the doctrine of divine uncreated energies, a doctrine that has imposed itself in Orthodoxy and consists in the fact that the being of God, inaccessible to man, and His divine energies are not separate, although they differ, but form a unity, but in His works directed towards all that is created God works through the divine energies, the created being cannot access the very being of the Godhead, for God in His being remains, in the words of Rudolf Otto, der ganz Andere (totally Other).”
Pr. prof. drd. Mircea Bejenar, from Tișăuți Parish, spoke to the clerics present about „The Paisian spiritual revival in the European ideological context and its importance for the Romanian philocalical revival in the 20th century”. During the lecture, it was noted, among other things, that the Isishatic revival of Philocalia managed to have a tremendous impact in what it meant the totalitarian communist prison world and monastic life at that time.
„The teaching of the Philocelic and the practice of the Isist faith first penetrated through the path of Father Arsenios Boca and his disciples, then through the members Burning Bush, Dumitru Stăniloae, and many of their disciples who were together in communist prisons. But this philocalic, Isishatic rebirth continued particularly in the monastic life, which was also hit by the communist persecution, so that from here, from the great Isishatic confessors, it was taken up by many Christians, and after 1989 it penetrated into the wider student and intellectual circles. (...) Orthodoxy, through a rebirth, a regeneration of Isishatic inspiration, can lead to a reorientation of mentalities towards the mind of Christ The Crucified and Risen One. And this is the mystery and the world's escape, within the reach of Christian living and thinking, translated in the present theme as Paisianism, Isishatic rebirth, Orthodox mysticism. In other words, fulfillment through spirituality and culture of the spirit, to which our fellow human beings and the cries of the peoples are seeking, often in agony.”
The representatives of the Suceava I and Suceava II Deaneries continued the conference with the papers „The Homage Year of Prayer in the Life of the Church and the Christian” and „The Commemorative Year of the Isishatic Saints Simeon the New Theologian, Gregory Palamas and Paisios of Neamt in the Romanian Patriarchate”.
In his paper, Fr. Cezar Onesim, from the Parish „St. Nicholas” Șcheia I, addressed topics such as prayer in the Holy Scripture, personal, family and community (congregational) prayer, and the distortion of prayer through the influence of Eastern religions and pseudo-religious practices.
„Through prayer we experience the great truth and reality that we are not alone in the world. God is Lord and has revealed himself to us is the conclusion of every prayer made in faith. Prayer is the means by which we share God's love and blessing. Prayer is stairway to heaven through which we receive divine grace, purity of heart, forgiveness of sins, faith in God, doing good and other virtues, we have them only in the climate of prayer. Prayer is the wing of faith, the fruit of hope, the mirror of love, the seal of virtue and the banishment of sin. It is the unfailing wellspring of holiness and Christian living; it is the shield that protects us from the sting of temptation; it is the key with which we open the gates of heaven and let divine grace fall upon us. Prayer cheers the despairing, lifts up the fallen, comforts the sorrowful, refreshes the weary, turns the sinner to repentance, strengthens the doubter in faith, humbles the proud; it tames the harsh, calms the envious, and leads us all to the work of good works.”
The series was concluded by Fr. Marius Ungureanu, from the Parish „The Covering of the Blessed Virgin” Ilișești, with the study „The commemorative year of the Isishatic saints Simeon the New Theologian, Gregory Palamas and Paisios of Neamț in the Romanian Patriarchate”. The paper highlighted moments in the lives of the three devout fathers of Orthodoxy, as well as some of their teachings, models in terms of discipline and interiorization of prayer.
„What is characteristic of Paisianism is its social articulation, its outward-looking orientation. The great work of patristic translations is not made exclusively for monastics, but is an attempt to popularize the power of prayer, the spiritual power of monasticism in an age, perhaps not by chance, of the age of enlightenment. At a time when secularization was beginning in the West, in the East neoisihasmul paisianianist continue, as in the time of Palamas, to stubbornly insist that reason does not bring you closer to God. Or, reason alone does not bring you closer to God without spiritual interiorization. And this, not by denying the power of science and culture, as it seems to many today to be proper to Orthodoxy, but rather by affirming the power of living through prayer. It is not by chance, therefore, that the whole process of translations of those who were the supreme example for this paessianist approach - the Holy Fathers, as those who had succeeded in perfectly harmonizing science and faith - was set in motion. Prayer occupies a central place in Simeon's spirituality. He speaks about it constantly in his writings, although he does not do so systematically and theoretically and does not give us the scientific method of how it should be done. On the contrary, he tells us about the different types of prayer, their particularities, their content, and shows us how he prayed himself. He first presents ecclesial prayer and the way to participate in it personally.”
This was followed by the screening of two films made by TRINITAS TV „Prayer, the way to perfection”, and „Prayer in the life of the Church and the Christian”, materials that synthesize edifying words of great spiritual leaders of recent decades, but also testimonies of outstanding personalities from different fields of activity such as medicine, journalism and sports, regarding the power of prayer.
In the second part of the meeting, proposals, suggestions and requests of the relevant sectors within the Eparchial Center regarding the activity of the parishes were also presented during the priests' conference in the Deaneries of Suceava I and Suceava II, as well as in the Deaneries of Câmpulung Moldovenesc and Fălticeni.
Sector Administrative-Church, Dimitrie Horga, diocesan counselor, spoke, among other things, about the observance of procedures regarding the hiring of non-clerical staff in the houses of worship, as well as about the timely submission of documents aimed at solving administrative problems.
Fr. Laurențiu Stamatin, diocesan church inspector, recommended to pay more attention to the correctness of the divine services and urged the parish clergy to put in order the objects of worship in the places of prayer.
The spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, Fr. Alexandru Flavian Sava, recommended decency and responsibility in the posts on the personal pages of social media platforms, including positions on certain current issues. These should be expressed in accordance with the decisions taken by the Permanence Council or assumed by the Patriarch, in order not to mislead the faithful and public opinion with various points of view.
Pr. Dan Gheorghiță, counselor of Internal Prevention and Protection Service, emphasized the importance of conducting religious activities safely. His Holiness also announced that in the near future there will be training sessions on protection and safety at work for the leaders of the religious establishments.
Arch. Ionuț Isopescu, counselor at the Sector Educational-Theological (Education), announced that he will ask for the support of parish priests to promote the two new specializations at the Orthodox High School Theological Seminary „Mitropolit Dosoftei” Suceava, as well as the specialization in Pastoral Theology. Along with other aspects related to the activities carried out by the sector, it was also presented that, as regards Religion, It is recommended to develop a friendly and warm collaboration with the Religion teacher(s) in the parish, regarding the activities initiated by the County School Inspectorate, in partnership with the Suceava Eparchial Center. Administrative issues related to the courses for obtaining professional clerical degrees were also brought to attention.
On behalf of the Sector Cultural, Constantin Oprea, the publication of studies or scientific articles by clerics who have defended doctoral dissertations was encouraged, as well as their co-option to collaborate with the journal Candle. It was also proposed that in the future as many clerical and non-clerical staff as possible should be trained in specialized courses or take undergraduate or master's degree courses on the restoration of textiles and icons.
On behalf of the Sector Publishing and Printing, Ciprian Blaga, the opening of the Crimca Publishing House of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților to the publication of various materials signed by the clergy of the Suceava Protopopies was mentioned.
The Councillor Media and Communication Sector, Ștefan Mihalcea, Fr. Ștefan Mihalcea, recommended increased attention to the content of materials posted on the social networks of the houses of worship, as well as the need to obtain the archiepiscopal blessing in case of media appearances, on their own initiative or at the invitation of a press trust.
Pr. Iustin Tănase, Sector Counselor Social and Medical Assistance, he thanked all those involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees. Since the beginning of the war, the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților has organized two fixed points of social-philanthropic assistance to distribute food, direct people to places of accommodation, provide information on travelling to Romania, and offer spiritual assistance to those who are struggling during this period, with a word of comfort and encouragement. On a permanent basis, at the Siret border crossing point and at the Burdujeni train station in Suceava, volunteers offered tea, coffee and food to Ukrainian refugees, as well as guidance in finding the best accommodation and transportation solutions. In each center, clergy and lay people were present, some of them Ukrainian speakers. Fr. Tiberiu Bardan, director of the „Anastasie Crimca” Association, presented some of the activities carried out by the sector and recommended stepping up social activities in the parishes.
Next, the representative of the Pastoral Mission and Christian Actuality, Filaret Ruscan brought a thought of appreciation and gratitude for the loving welcome of the delegation that accompanied the delegation with the relics of St. John the New from Suceava during the procession through the diocese. The importance of intensifying pastoral and missionary work in the current context was also emphasized, encouraging the preparation of the priest's sermon, as well as the care of the church, home and cemetery.
Sector Economic-Financial, Viorel Ilișoi, diocesan counselor, sent to the heads of the houses of worship information on the bookkeeping, as well as the procedures for its verification by the relevant inspectors. At the same time, it was suggested to identify, in the parishes of the diocese, the cases in which the winter period makes it difficult to pay utility bills.
Pr. Adrian Popa, counselor in the Sector Church-Church News, spoke about the sale of objects of worship at the pangare according to the decisions of the Statute of Organization and Functioning of the Romanian Orthodox Church. It was also emphasized that through the purchase of peddling products, support and assistance is given to the entire missionary activity of the Church.
Sector Catechization, Youth and Education for Life, coordinated by Prof. Cristi Gabriel Hurjui, presented the most important projects carried out in the 12 months of activity and invited the parishes to join the future projects of the diocese, aimed at young people willing to get involved in volunteer activities, organizing Bible study circles and catechetical sessions, camps and other social-charitable actions, carried out within the future projects of the diocese.
Pr. Ion Bârsan, Counselor of the Sector Legal and Consulting, provided information on the property rights over parish real estate and on the land registration procedure. At the same time, His Holiness recommended the cooperation with the representatives of the Eparchial Center for a good development of the sector's activity and for a quick resolution of legal issues.
On behalf of the Sector Legal Affairs of the Romanian Orthodox Church Fund of Bucovina, Bogdan Ionuț Pricop, legal counselor, emphasized the advantages of making an inventory of movable and immovable property owned by the parishes. Mr. lawyer Daniel Ionașcu, diocesan counselor, reiterated the request to the leaders of the houses of worship to follow up, in due time, the requests coming from the sector.
Sector Monuments, Heritage and Church Architecture, led by arch. Vasile Demciuc, emphasized the importance of respecting the legislation on the protection of cultural heritage. At the same time, priests were asked to pay special attention to the monuments inscribed on the national heritage list. Last but not least, the importance of inventorying the assets of places of worship was also discussed.
During the event, the clergy present were invited to the Archiepiscopal Mass on November 6, 2022, an event that marks the culmination of the anniversary series dedicated Jubilee Year, „The Muscat Heritage - faith, culture, history”.
At the end, Pr. Protopriest Ionel Doru Budeanu thanked on behalf of the two dioceses His Eminence Archbishop Calinic, His Eminence Archbishop Damaschin Dorneanul, members of the permanent Eparchial Council, the hosts and all the ministers present at this extraordinary event.
Each participant received as a gift two of the most recent volumes published by Editura Crimca of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, „Prayer - the foundation of life and spiritual growth of man”, a work that brings together the lectures of the clergy of the diocese dedicated to this anniversary year, and the book „Happiness in unhappiness. A commentary for the man in a hurry” signed by His Eminence Archbishop Calinic.
Irina Ursachi
Photo album: HERE
