23
April 2009 – Bishop and theology professor DAMASCHIN CORAVU (baptized
Dimitrie) passed away in Bucharest. He was born on 14 September 1940, in
Craiova. He studies at the Theological Seminary of Craiova (1956-1961),
at the University Theological Institute of Bucharest (1961 – 1965) and
then courses for a doctor’s degree, with special stress on History of
the Romanian Church, at the same Institute (1965 – 1968): specialized
courses – for the New Testament – at the Faculty of Theology of Athens
(1970 – 1978), where he was awarded the doctor’s degree. He was
professor at the Theological Seminary of Craiova (1968 – 1970), editor
to the “Mitropolia Olteniei” magazine, and then again, professor at the
same seminary (1978 – 1980). Tonsured into monasticism at Jitianu
Monastery, with the name Damaschin (1980), ordained hieromonk and
archimandrite; on 16 July 1980, the Holy Synod elected him Assistant
Bishop to the Archdiocese of Craiova, with the title of “Severineanul”
(ordained on 21 September 1980). He was a member of the delegation of
the Romanian Orthodox Church to the 5th General Assembly of the World
Council of Churches (Nairobi, 1975); participated in various meetings
with ecumenical character (Patmos 1975, Athens 1978, Crete 1978, etc.).
In 1992, the Faculty of Theology of Craiova is set up as a result of his
efforts; he is dean from 1992 – 2000, professor of History of the
Romanian Orthodox Church at the same Faculty (1992 – 2006). On 24
February 200 he was elected Bishop of Slobozia and Calarasi, installed
on 25 March the same year; he served here till his death. Works: The
Lord’s Prayer, Philological, historical-theological and hermeneutical
study, Athens, 979 (in Greek); The Churches of Craiova I(1998, in
collaboration); Monastery and Diocese of Strehaia (2007), many studies
with historical character in “Mitropolia Olteniei” magazine.
