With the blessing of His Beatitude Archbishop Calinic and under the attentive involvement and coordination of PC. Pr. Mihai Cobziuc, diocesan counselor in the Office for Minority Relations, in collaboration with PC Pr. dr. Constantin Oprea, Eparchial Counselor in the Cultural Sector, at the Society for Romanian Culture ’Mihai Eminescu’ in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, the project „Preserving the ethnic, religious and linguistic identity of Romanians in Ukraine” was launched, a project realized at the initiative of the Archdiocese of Suceva and Rădăuților with the support of the Department of Romanians Abroad (Romanian Government), represented by Mr. Gheorghe-Florin Cârciu, Secretary of State and which materialized in bringing to Chernivtsi 350 packages of 13 religious books, which were distributed to the Romanian communities living in this region and who still study, speak, read in Romanian and feel Romanian.
The host of the event was Professor Vasile Bâcu, President of the Society for Romanian Culture, ”Mihai Eminescu„, Chernivtsi, who spoke to the audience about the special moment we were in, namely the presentation of the ”spiritual and religious„ book, but also about the importance of this project of soul for the Romanian community in the Chernivtsi region. Professor Vasile Bâcu made sure that these books would reach people who really enjoy any ’sign’' coming from the mother country.
Pr. Mihai Cobziuc, counselor in the Office for Relations with Minorities, conveyed the joy with which he returned to the land where he studied, speaking about the importance of this project of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, as a spiritual aid to those who have not forgotten their roots. Its aim is in fact to supplement school and parish libraries that lack Romanian books with religious literature. In closing his speech, Pr. Cobziuc Mihai emphasized that this project has been financially supported by the Department of Romanians Abroad and listed the titles of the books that are part of this „package” of 13 books as follows: Tears of repentance, Resurrection and Transfiguration, The Status of Women according to the Old Testament, The Life and Paraclete of St. John the New of Suceava, Mystagogical dimension of Passion Week, St. John the Baptist, The Seal of the Two Testaments, Prayer Book, Patristic Florilegiads, From the Hell of Fear to the Joy of Faith, At the Gates of Time, Dialogue with Great Spiritual Masters, Trilogy of the Word, Psalter, Life and known miracles of St. John the New of Suceava (all published by Crimca Publishing House).
With emotion in his voice, PC. Pr. dr. Constantin Oprea, counselor in the Cultural Sector of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, brought the good thought of blessing of His All-Holiness Calinic, Archbishop of Suceava and Rădăuților „who, I testify here, as some may know, after a beautiful and spiritual shepherding of the worthy Archbishop Pimen, our Father Archbishop, through his fruitful activity, maintains a beautiful bond, especially through prayer and unity, with the Romanians here in Northern Bucovina”. He recalled that the ties have always been close and beautiful regardless of the vicissitudes or problems of the time, pointing out that the „Jerusalem of the Romanian nation” - Putna Monastery is always concerned, as well as many clergy from the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, in carrying the Romanians from Northern Bucovina in prayer. At the end of his speech, Father spoke about this beautiful project that the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților initiated through God's care, through the blessing of His Most Reverend Father Archbishop Calinic, but also through the perseverance of our colleague, Father Mihai Cobziuc, counselor and assured the Romanians of Northern Bucovina that they will always find support, especially through prayer, but also financial support if needed.
Mr. Iurie Levcic, Director of the Chernivtsi Art Cultural Center presented to those present at the event a short film about the great personalities who sleep their final resting sleep in the cemetery in Chernivtsi, among whom we can mention: professor Aron Pumnul, academician I.G. Sbiera, Metropolitans Vladimir Repta, Teoctist Blajevici, Nectarie Cotlarciuc, priest Dimitrie Dan, bishop Dositei Herescu, Constantin Isopescu - Greek, painter Epaminonda Bucevschi, priests such as Dionisie Bejan, Zaharie Voronca, etc. The director also invited some students from the People's Art School of Chernivtsi, who performed carols and patriotic songs.
At the end of the event, the counselor fathers conferred on behalf of His Eminence the Most Reverend Father Calinic, Archbishop of Suceava and Rădăuților, His Excellency Irina-Loredana Stănculescu, Consul General of Romania in Chernivtsi, Professor Vasile Bâcu and Mr. Iurie Levcic, Jubile Medal - inscribed in the bimillenary cross of the history and sacrifice of the Romanian people, in the context of the 500th anniversary of the consecration of the Church „St. M. Mc. Gheorghe” of the Monastery of St. John the New of Suceava, and Jubilee Icon in appreciation and gratitude.
The Delegation of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților was invited by the Romanian Consulate in Chernivtsi to the launch of the book „A Royal Consulate in Chernivtsi...”, an event that took place in the presence of Her Excellency, Mrs. Irina-Loredana Stănculescu, Consul General of Romania in Chernivtsi, Mrs. Alexandrina Cernov, honorary member of the Romanian Academy and many people of culture from the Chernivtsi area.
Paul Torac
photo credit: Pro Bucovina Chernivtsi
