The members of the Eparchial Assembly of the Archdiocese of Suceva and Rădăuților met today, on the feast of the Syrian Saints Ephrem and Isaac, January 28, 2023, in the annual working session, during which the balance of the entire activity of the diocese in 2022 was presented.
At the opening, His Eminence Archbishop Calinic, diocesan counselors and inspectors, as well as members of the ecclesiastical forum, clergy and lay people, participated in the Mass of Te-Deum, celebrated in the large church of the Monastery „St. John the New of Suceava” by His Eminence the Most Reverend Father Damaschin Dorneanul, Bishop-Vicar. The moment of prayer gave thanks to God for the blessings bestowed on the faithful of the diocese in the year that has ended. The liturgical responses were given by the Psaltic Group „Dimitrie Suceveanu” of the Archiepiscopal Cathedral, directed by Arch. 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.
During the meeting the general reports of the sectors of the Eparchial Administration and of the five diocesan proto-provinces were presented. In this way, the activity of the Romanian Orthodox Church during the past year was highlighted „”Prayer in the life of the Church and of the Christian„ and ”The Isishatic Saints Simeon the New Theologian, Gregory Palamas and Paisias of Neamt", in all areas of manifestation of the ecclesial life.
The words of His Eminence Archbishop Calinic summarize the most important achievements of the Archdiocese of Suceva and Rădăuților in 2022: approval of the project for the restoration of the entire ensemble of the Monastery of St. John the New and the start of works; completion of the „Dositei Episcopul” House for the monastic staff, continuation of the construction of the „Silvestru Andrievici Mitropolitul” Cultural Centre, construction of a candle factory and a warehouse near the Cămârzani Monastery, and the progress of the works on the Vatra Dornei Casino towards completion the purchase of a farm with a generous area of land, the purchase of large areas of land near the newly established monasteries (Pătrăuți, Bălinești, Leucușești, Todirești and Negrileasa), the purchase of a disused factory in Frasin and of a building near Vladimir House in Vatra-Dornei.
All those present had the opportunity to watch a summary of the numerous events held under the aegis of the Year 2022, „The Muscatine Heritage - Culture, Faith, History”, events marking the 500th anniversary of the consecration of the Church „St. George the Great Martyr” of the Monastery „St. John the New of Suceava”, the foundation of Bogdan IIIrd Voievod and Ștefăniță Voievod, the 500th anniversary of the consecration of the Church „All Saints” Sunday„ - Părhăuți, the foundation of the boyar Gavril Trotușan, and the 400th anniversary of the consecration of the Monastery ”Saints Apostles Peter and Paul" - Solca, the foundation of Ștefan Tomșa IInd Voievod. The material, compiled by the Exarhat and the Media and Communication Sector, was presented by Pr. Dr. Constantin Oprea, cultural advisor.
At the same time, the Eparchial Administration intends to continue its missionary, educational, philanthropic and cultural activities, as well as to support the administrative-economic works, through the involvement and cooperation of all sectors. Among the priorities for the year 2023 are: the organization of the Archdiocesan museum, the construction of the summer altar of the Monastery „St. John the New” and the new home for the elderly at the Monastery of Teodoreni, the advancement of the construction works of the monastery dedicated to the saints Paisie Olaru and Cleopa Ilie at Vadu Negrilesei and the obtaining of the land for the new Eparchial Center. Other priorities include intensifying the missionary activity in the diocese, especially in disadvantaged areas, diversifying and expanding the social-philanthropic activity, strengthening the partnership Church-School-Family-Community, as well as attracting external funds for the implementation of projects in various fields (social, cultural, educational, construction, heritage, digital, agro-forestry, etc.).
Along with the Archbishop, the event was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Damaschin Dorneanul, Bishop-Vicar, representatives of the Eparchial Cabinet and Chancellery, members of the Eparchial Assembly commissions, councilors of the Eparchial Center and representatives of public institutions, among which we mention Mr. Gheorghe Alexandru Moldovan, Prefect of Suceava County, Mr. Niculai Barbă, Vice President of the Suceava County Council, and Mr. Ion Lungu, Mayor of Suceava.
Mr. Ion Lungu addressed a word of thanks, pointing out the help given by the institution he represents to the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, appreciated the transparency of the reports and reiterated the multitude of projects carried out by the Church for the community, many of them in collaboration with local authorities.
Next, the Prefect of Suceava County, Mr. Gheorghe Alexandru Moldovan, emphasized the special collaboration between the two institutions in the delicate issue of Ukrainian refugees, noting the sustained involvement of the clergy, but also of the faithful in providing assistance in material and spiritual assistance, which is why he considers the Church - main partner. Moreover, he expressed his wish that His Eminence Archbishop Calinic participate, as a permanent guest, in the operational meetings of the prefect's institution, on the one hand to participate in solving the problems of the community, and on the other hand, to offer his expertise, appreciating the Archdiocese's activity as an example of good practice from an administrative perspective.
In the context of the national recognition of 2023 as The year dedicated to composer Ciprian Porumbescu, Mr. Niculai Barba requested the support of the Archdiocese given the fruitful collaboration in similar projects.
The members of the Eparchial Council were congratulated for their work, but also for the laborious drafting of the activity report, contained in a volume with an exceptional graphic format, printed by the Crimca Publishing House of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, totaling 610 pages.
Other speakers were retired Brigadier General Ion Burlui, President of the Suceava County Branch „Plăieșii” of the National Association of the Cult of Heroes „Regina Maria”, Mr. Bogdan Andrei Loghin, Mayor of Rădăuți, and doctor Valeriu Gavrilovici, member of the Eparchial Assembly and representative of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților in the National Church Assembly. After the interventions of the guests, the activity reports were approved.
In his concluding words, His Eminence Calinic offered a token of gratitude to those who have been involved in the smooth running of the work of the Archdiocese, the Eparchial Administration, the clergy and monastic staff, governmental, regional and local institutions, collaborators and of course the faithful who have always responded to the call to do good to their neighbor. A word of thanks was also addressed to His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel for the constant support and care shown to the Eparchy of Suceava and Rădăuților. Last but not least, the hierarch urged gratitude for all the gifts received from the Most High, Who makes all things possible for those who believe and hope in Him.
„Let us hope that this year, if the geo-political and military situation in the world does not degenerate, we will continue our work together with the Vicar of the See, the Vicar and the Fathers Councillors, the Bishops and the Exarchs, so that at the next diocesan assembly there will be as few as possible of the proposed projects not realized. I wish you a blessed year, with good health and increased personal, family and professional achievements, and do not forget that this is the anniversary year of those who expect more solicitude from us. Let us give thanks to the Most Merciful God for everything, and let us pray that He may continue to keep us in His holy protection!”
Daniela Livadaru
Irina Ursachi
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Below is a summary of the presentation of the activity of the sectors of the Eparchial Center of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților Archdiocese in 2022.
Cabinet and Eparchial Chancery, represented by Arch. Paraschiv Dabija, administrative vicar, brought to the attention of the members of the Assembly the most important events and activities that took place in the diocese in 2022. The events were under the aegis of „Muscatine Heritage - Faith, Culture, History”, in the year that ended the Archdiocese commemorated the 500th anniversary of the consecration of the Church „St. George” of the Monastery „St. John the New of Suceava”. The administrative vicar presented data related to the sacramental-liturgical, pastoral-missionary and cultural-publicistic activity of the hierarchs, as well as administrative and representational details. The achievements of the Chancellery's sub-structures were also highlighted: Eparchial Secretariat, Registration and Archive.
Pr. Laurențiu Nicolae Stamatin, church inspector, presented the work carried out in the previous year, emphasizing that all the addresses received in the framework of the Church Inspection Body have been investigated and resolved, either at the Eparchial Center, together with the Fathers Counselors, or at the headquarters of the five proto-provinces, together with the Fathers Protopopes, or on the spot, where it was necessary to be present in the parishes.
Pr. Dan Gheorghiță, diocesan counselor in the Internal Prevention and Protection Service Office, emphasized that in 2022 the activities provided for in the legislation in the fields of occupational safety and health and emergency situations, included in the prevention and protection plan, were carried out, with emphasis on checking work equipment at the worship facilities, training workers and assessing the health of workers. At the same time, the technical, organizational, hygienic-sanitary and other measures proposed as a result of the internal controls carried out in the cult establishments in the previous year have significantly reduced the number of work-related events.
Alexandru Sava, representative of Press and Public Relations Office of the Suceava Eparchial Center and spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, who pointed out the main achievements: media interventions on various events, moderation of online conferences, production of graphic materials, announcing the intention to create a weekly brief column with informative purposes - a retrospective of the most important eparchial activities.
Activity Office for Minority Relations, Mihai Cobziuc, involved, among other things, active involvement in supporting refugees from Ukraine by providing humanitarian assistance, coordinating teams of translators, religious assistance in 5 locations, religious services in Ukrainian. At the same time, humanitarian support was provided in the historical Romanian communities in Ukraine. Also highlighted were the projects and partnership agreements signed through the Minorities Office, as well as the missionary visits to Ukrainian, Hutu, Roma, Polish and Diaspora communities.
Sector Administrative-Church presented the most important actions undertaken by the councillor in charge, Fr. Dimitrie Horga, as well as aspects related to the work of the departments Human Resources and Cemeteries, monuments and funeral services: coordination of the elections for the Eparchial Assembly of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, organization of the second edition of the Eparchial Contest The neatest cemetery, organizing recruitment competitions for vacant posts.
Activity Exarchate of monasteries, presented by Arch. Melchisedec Velnic, covers 78 monastic settlements: 31 monasteries, 10 hermitages and 3 monks„ metochs and 23 monasteries and 11 hermitages of nuns. In 2022, the monasteries of Părhăuți and ”St. Elijah„ - Șcheia were reopened, the ”All Saints" Hermitage of Leucușești was elevated to the rank of monastery and seven new hermitages were established. Installations of abbots and abbesses, ordinations and ordinations that took place in 2022 and monastic synaxes were presented. The social-philanthropic activities carried out by the monasteries were then reviewed, with a special place being given to support for refugees from Ukraine and cultural activities.
Educational-Theological Sector, through arch. Councillor Ionuț Isopescu, presented the projects organized at the level of the sector and in partnership with other institutions, including the Suceava County School Inspectorate, the Orthodox Theological High School Seminary „Metropolitan Dosoftei” Suceava, the Secondary School „St. John the New from Suceava” and other educational establishments. Also mentioned were the competitions and training courses organized in the previous year for the diocesan theologians, clergy and religion teachers. In order to encourage performance, all the pupils and students with good results in teaching were rewarded. The educational and administrative activities and achievements of the Suceava Theological Seminary and St. John the New of Suceava Secondary School were also highlighted.
Prof. Daniela Ceredeev, inspector for religion at the Suceava County School Inspectorate, pointed out that the year 2022 was a good and blessed one: the largest Bible lesson in the world, the Traveling Exhibition The traveling and sanctifying Bible at the Patriarchal Palace, Children's Mass, on World Education Day, the first school cultural-cathechetical centers in the county and in the country, the program to support Ukrainian refugee children - For the sake of school and the children of the world, the extraordinary results obtained by the 8 students from Suceava at the national stage of the Suceava Religion Olympiad (2 first prizes, 2 second prizes, 2 mentions and 2 special prizes).
By the report of Sector Cultural, Dr. Constantin Oprea, were brought to the attention of the Assembly the numerous cultural events, conferences, colloquia and symposia organized in the diocese.
Sector Publishing and Printing, Ciprian Constantin Blaga, coordinated by Fr. Ciprian Constantin Blaga, through the two departments under its subordination, namely Crimca Publishing House and „Vartolomeu Mazereanu” Typography, has carried out a rich activity during 2022, activity that focused on the following areas: editing and printing of editorial projects (42 editorial projects, about 200.000 copies printed), the realization and launch of the official website of Crimca Publishing House, the completion of the production line of the printing house, the resolution of projects related to the anniversary events „The Muscatine Heritage - Faith, Culture, History”.
Pr. Nicu Spînu, counselor in the Sector Digitalization and Information Technology, spoke to those present about the implementation of projects and new information systems and about the maintenance of the workstations of the Eparchial Center.
Sector Media and Communication, Ștefan Mihalcea, represented by Fr. Ștefan Mihalcea, was distinguished by a rich activity in promoting the most important projects of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților, both through the institution's website and through other communication platforms. In the previous year, the sector team was present at numerous liturgical, administrative, cultural-artistic, social-philanthropic, missionary and educational events, for which it produced photo & video materials and dedicated articles for the archiepiscopiasucevei.ro website and for the ecclesiastical and lay press, as well as LIVE broadcasts, where appropriate. Among the projects coordinated by the Media and Communication Sector in Year Jubilee 500, were mentioned the visual identity of the anniversary events, created in collaboration with Studio Wincero, the photo exhibition dedicated to St. John the New of Suceava, opened at the Archbishop's Cathedral of Suceava, the National Museum of Bucovina, the Suceava Citadel and the National Library of Romania or the premiere of the film about the life of the patron saint of the Suceava Citadel, made by Trinitas TV.
Sector Activity from Social and Medical Assistance, coordinated by Arch. Iustin Tănase, was shaped by the development of numerous charitable projects, in which socio-medical and philanthropic interventions totaling 20 million lei were carried out. Fifteen projects with internal, national, European or international funding have been carried out and the projects started since 2020 have been continued and have already reached their second or third edition (A Christmas for everyone, For the first time at sea, But towards the Resurrection). Partnerships and programs with the Romanian Patriarchate or other dioceses in the country or in the diaspora, as well as with other state institutions or NGOs have also continued. With the outbreak of the armed conflict in Ukraine in February, the social-philanthropic activity took on new dimensions, developing also in the sense of support and counseling for refugees from Ukraine.
Speech of the Sector representative from Pastoral Mission and Christian Actuality, Dr. Filaret Ruscan, referred to the activities aimed at the continuous formation of the missionaries of the diocesan protopopes, the intensification of youth ministry, the involvement in the organization of pastoral-missionary conferences and the creation of a database on small parishes with a precarious financial situation and families in a vulnerable situation. The pastoral-missionary circles and liturgical services of the missionary protopopes were mentioned.
Sector Catechization, Youth and Life Education, led by Mr. Cristi-Gabriel Hurjui, was responsible, among other things, for the coordination of the 36 youth centers Ecclesia at the level of high schools and parishes of the diocese, in close cooperation with the Suceava County School Inspectorate. Among the actions undertaken in 2022 were organized football championships Ladies Cup and Muscat Cup for the young men and women from the parishes of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților and the camp projects ”Treasures of the Village” and "Daredevils on the road to knowledge" were launched.
Sector Councillor Economic Financial, Viorel Ilișoi, presented the economic situation of the diocese, the annual budget of income and expenditure, as well as the audit and internal financial control. The development process of the sector's sub-structures was presented: the Internal Audit Department, the Internal Financial Control Department, the Accounting Department, the Pilgrimage and Insurance Department, the Technical Department of Procurement, Supplies and Transportation and 2 distinct legal entities: the Clergy Mutual Aid House and the Tourism Agency Egeria Travel The counselor pointed out that in addition to its own financial resources, the Archdiocese has benefited from the support of state institutions and their representatives: the Romanian Government, the General Secretariat of the Government, the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Romanians Abroad, Suceava County Council, Suceava City Hall, but also from the sponsorship of legal entities and the contribution of a significant number of individuals.
Church-Colporteur Sector, led by Fr. Adrian Popa, distinguished itself in 2022 by developing and expanding its activities in the online environment, the sector being in charge of managing and launching the hawking website www.arimateea.ro. At the same time, in the workshops of the sector or in collaboration with various entities in the country and abroad, among others, were realized Icon Jubilee silver, Jubilee Plaquette made of silver and copper, Icon of Our Lady, a copy of the miracle-working icon from the Archiepiscopal Cathedral in Suceava, as well as hand embroidery, unique in the country.
In 2022, the Sector Legal and Consulting, Ioan Bîrsan, represented the Archdiocese before all courts of law and drafted the necessary documents for the activity of the Eparchial Center, according to the legislation. Through the sector's efforts, the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuților and other religious establishments in the diocese were able to acquire or regain several property titles.
Av. Daniel Ionașcu, diocesan counselor of the Sector Legal Affairs of the Romanian Orthodox Church Fund of Bucovina, was represented by counselor Ionuț Pricop. The members of the team were involved in defending the interests of the Ecclesiastical Fund in numerous cases. At the same time, the necessary steps for the recovery of the Ecclesiastical Fund continued.
Sector Activity Monuments, Heritage and Church Architecture was presented by the Archbishop Dr. Vasile M. Demciuc. The projects concerning the heritage objectives in the diocese were reviewed, emphasizing the total (Pătrăuți and Șcheia Monasteries) or partial (Bălinești Monastery) acceptance of the restoration-conservation works, the publication of the jubilee volume St. George's Church of the Monastery of St. John the New from Suceava, 500 years, Crimca Publishing House and the organization of the National Symposium „The Muscat Heritage - Faith, Culture, History”.
Head of Sector Church Projects and Construction, Eftimie Mutescu, referred to the work stages of the projects started in 2022, the recommendations of the endorsement committee and the models provided by the sector. Furthermore, he presented some of the major projects finalized last year as well as those in progress: Eparchial Center „Dositei Episcopul”, Eparchial Center „Mitropolit Silvestru”, consolidation and rehabilitation of the complex of buildings of the Monastery „Sfântul Ioan cel Nou de la Suceava”, Canteen of the Orthodox Theological High School Seminary „Mitropolitul Dosoftei”, Cămârzani Candle Workshop, Social-Philanthropic and Administrative Center „Anastasie Crimca - Mitropolitul”, modernization and equipment of SC Ferma Lucos SRL.
External and Internal Funds Sector, Alexandru Pavel, coordinated by Fr. Alexandru Pavel, presented the projects submitted, those in work and their partners, and the correlation with the funding lines forecast for 2023. During the year 2022 funds were attracted for the restoration of the monasteries of Arbore and Slatina and the wooden churches of Colacu and Botoșana. Contracts were also signed for the promotion of the monasteries of Putna, Slatina, Arbore and Humor, as well as for the churches of Horodnic de Sus, Horodnic de Jos, Botoșana and Colacu. Last but not least, new projects were submitted last year for the restoration of the monasteries of Râșca and Humor, for the Udești Monastery Hermitage, and for the Church of St. Mercurius and St. Catherine St. Rădășeni.
Eparchial Counselor of the Sector Agro-Silvic Church, Mr. Ciprian Dumitru Muscă, presented data on the situation of land and buildings, as well as forestry, agricultural, wine-growing structures of the diocese. Last but not least, the report included information on the state of work on the restoration project of the monument „Casino of the Baths” in Vatra Dornei and the acquisition of land for the newly established monasteries.
St. John the New Monastery„ – Archiepiscopal Cathedral of Suceava, an integral part of the Eparchial Center, was represented by the abbot of the monastic settlement, Arch. Serafim Grigoraș, and the great ecclesiasarch, Arch. Valerian Radu. During the presentations, it was recalled that in 2022 the place of worship was endowed with numerous gifts, vestments, holy vessels, books, and other things necessary for liturgical service. Also this year, the Monastery of St. John the New was the host of the 500th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of St. George the Great.
This was followed by the presentation of the 5 dioceses of the diocese, Ionel Doru Budeanu, Fr. Minu Mititelu, Fr. Ionel Constantin Maloș, Fr. Aurel Goraș and, respectively, Fr. Adrian Dulgheriu who, beyond the administrative aspects, emphasized the social-philanthropic dimension carried out at the level of the parishes.
