Preventing domestic violence is a priority for the Romanian Patriarchate, the Metropolis of Bessarabia, and the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău, as demonstrated by a large-scale social-philanthropic project carried out under the auspices of the Diaconia Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, in partnership with the Filantropia Federation of the Romanian Patriarchate.
Pilot project on domestic violence prevention
On Sunday, July 6, in the “Dormition of the Mother of God” Parish in the village of Răuțel, Fălești District, Republic of Moldova, Father Ciprian Ioniță, Patriarchal adviser for the Social-Philanthropic Sector of the Romanian Patriarchate, presented a pilot project aimed at raising awareness about the scourge of domestic violence. He highlighted the importance of education and community formation in parish settings.
With the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, the program aims to prevent and combat domestic violence and will be held in ten localities across Bessarabia.
According to Igor Belei, social advisor to the Archdiocese of Chișinău and director of the Diaconia Mission, the program will include conferences, educational workshops, counselling sessions, and activities for children and families.
Family as a fortress of love
Father Ilarion Mâță, diocesan counsellor for the Social-Philanthropic and Missionary Sector of the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău, addressed those present on the theme “The Family – a Fortress of Love.”
Drawing from Holy Scripture and the writings of the Holy Fathers, he explained the role of spouses in maintaining harmony in family life, the importance of cooperation in raising children, and spiritual means to prevent and resolve conflict.
Father Mâță also emphasised that holiness can be attained through family life, citing examples such as Saints Peter and Febronia, Zacharias and Elizabeth, and the Holy Brâncoveanu family.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, children from the parish participated in a play therapy and socio-educational animation program held in the churchyard.
Concern over escalation of domestic violence
Recently, the Romanian Patriarchate expressed its concern regarding the escalation of domestic violence, noting that it has launched several national-level programs aimed at combating this phenomenon.
Any manifestation of violence is incompatible with Christian teaching, and all forms of abuse wound not only the body but also the soul of the victim, causing long-term trauma that is difficult to heal.
Photo: Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău
