His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a message at the opening of the meeting of the Economic-Financial Sector leaders from the dioceses across the country and the Patriarchal Administration, which took place at the Holy Cross Social-Pastoral Center at Caraiman Monastery from December 17 to 18, 2024.
“Consultation at the level of parishes, dioceses, and the Romanian Patriarchate helps us understand co-responsibility at a time when the phenomenon of secularization tries to marginalize the active presence and work of the Church in society,” His Beatitude stated in his message.
“Joint consultation and intense cooperation among the counsellors and accountants of the economic-financial departments of each diocese in the country can contribute to a better understanding of the problems and achievements of each diocese so that the Romanian Patriarchate, through the Patriarchal Administration, can propose measures to the Holy Synod that more intensely support the life and mission of the Church.”
“The objective of these meetings is not just to hear about successes or special achievements, but to become more realistic,” the Patriarch of Romania also conveyed.
Full text:
Consultation, Co-responsibility, and Cooperation in the Administration of Church Assets
Very Reverend Fathers, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Since its establishment, the Church has affirmed its right to possess assets and entrusted the ecclesiastical authority with the right to administer them to maintain Christian communities and aid those in need. From the fourth century, the Church has also instituted the responsibility of an oikonomos, an administrator of Church assets.
Starting from the fifth century (451), the ministry of oikonomos of the church became mandatory for each diocese, with this person being chosen from among the clergy (Canon 26, Fourth Ecumenical Council) or the monks of the respective diocese.
Today, December 17, 2024, the work meeting of the economic counsellors from the 29 dioceses in Romania begins, hoping it will be practical and constructive.
Not only are the heads of the economic departments from the diocesan centres and the Romanian Patriarchate invited to this meeting, but also other specialists in economic activities who will deliver practical lectures.
Regarding the administration of church assets, it is necessary to cultivate the following principles: consultation, co-responsibility, and cooperation. Consultation at the level of parishes, dioceses, and the Romanian Patriarchate helps us understand co-responsibility at a time when the phenomenon of secularization tries to marginalize the active presence and work of the Church in society.
Joint consultation and intense cooperation among the counsellors and accountants of the economic-financial sectors of each diocese in the country can contribute to a better understanding of each diocese’s problems and achievements. This will allow the Romanian Patriarchate, through the Patriarchal Administration, to propose measures to the Holy Synod that more intensely support the life and mission of the Church.
The objective of these meetings is not just to hear about successes or notable achievements but to become more realistic. This means observing both what has been done well, with God’s help, and what has been done less well due to our negligence. Only in this way can we strengthen solidarity, co-responsibility, brotherhood, and cooperation in our Church.
The Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that the multiplication of talents is how we respond to God’s call and act on His love for all people. Saint Apostle Paul, urging the Corinthians to be generous towards their brothers, highlights the connection between love for God and fellow humans: “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
For this work meeting of the economic counsellors from the Romanian Orthodox Church, which begins today, we have three main objectives in mind:
- Acknowledgement that each economic sector in the dioceses needs to employ experienced specialists (economists, accountants, financiers) characterized by professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the Church;
- Acquisition of specific skills and exchange of best practices in the economic field;
- The economic counsellors are responsible for the importance of their mission and are accountable for the legal and correct administration of church assets.
We bless the proceedings of this national meeting of economic counsellors from the Romanian Patriarchate and express our hope that it will significantly contribute to strengthening consultation, co-responsibility, and cooperation in church administration, as well as to more attentive and correct supervision of the administration of Church assets, for the spiritual and material benefit of all believers in the dioceses and for the mission of the Church in society.
† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Basilica.ro Files
