At the beginning of the new school year, Bishop Ambrozie of Giurgiu issued a message underscoring the necessity for formative education, authentic role models, and spiritual guidance for young people.
“We must understand that it is not only informative education that is needed but also formative education, along with authentic role models and spiritual references,” said the Bishop of Giurgiu.
The Bishop also emphasised the significance of fostering Christian values and the ideal of a society where education transcends the mere transmission of information.
“We desire a country where normality, decency, and honesty are the main values promoted within the educational system,” he added.
His Grace noted today’s youth’s cultural and spiritual lack of direction. In this context, he said, “School offers support and a possible solution to this identity confusion, and the family can play a decisive role in addressing it.”
However, the Bishop emphasised that the combined efforts of these two fundamental societal institutions are insufficient.
“Much deeper, timeless models are needed, from which young people, regardless of their society or era, can draw inspiration and build their own lives.”
“The Church offers such a model, understood not only as an institution but especially as a space for salvation and human perfection, as the mystical body of Christ, which encompasses each of us. As an exemplary space for communion and encounter, the Church can transcend age or educational barriers, promoting values that are valid for everyone.”
Bishop Ambrozie also reaffirmed the importance of youth for the Diocese of Giurgiu, which focuses on their education and development.
“For the Diocese of Giurgiu, students hold an important place. Therefore, pastoral-cultural and catechetical centres have been established in the diocese, developing a series of activities attended by students.”
“In these spaces, created especially for them, young people discover the apostolic work of the Church and the fundamental values of the Romanian people, in places where the Romanian soul has shone most brightly and contributed to the spiritual flourishing of the country. Moreover, these meetings facilitate constructive dialogue and a constant approach to Orthodox values among these young people,” the Bishop added.
Photo: Giurgiu Diocese
