The current ecological crisis is one of the most serious challenges and realities of the contemporary world, with effects visible both in the survival of plant and animal species and in the very existence of humanity.
Today, the severe consequences of environmental pollution, the excessive and irresponsible use of new technological advancements, and climate change have become undeniable realities that require urgent and effective solutions.
Increasingly frequent natural disasters—such as floods, earthquakes, and prolonged droughts—are direct repercussions of humanity’s lack of moderation and discernment in its actions on ecosystems.
At the same time, excessive exploitation of resources, including the destruction of natural habitats of living species, together with material greed, inevitably deepens the gap between underdeveloped societies and those securing prosperity at the expense of the entire creation.
Faced with the worsening ecological crisis, which gravely affects the universe created by God out of love for humanity, the Romanian Patriarchate cannot remain indifferent, urging instead a responsible approach to safeguarding the integrity of nature.
The ecological crisis is an extreme manifestation of secularised thinking focused exclusively on material profit and technological progress, devoid of spiritual criteria. As such, it can jeopardise the existence of future generations and erode their respect for the sacred gift of life and for humanity’s responsibility toward God’s creation.
The liturgical life and social mission of the Romanian Orthodox Church continually call for a responsible attitude toward both nature and humanity, the preservation and proper use of nature being an intrinsic duty of the human being. Scripture reminds us that “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Thus, humanity is not called to impose selfish domination over nature or exploit it abusively for personal interests and passions, but to use it responsibly as an act of gratitude to the Holy Trinity, who created the universe and placed mankind at its centre.
In this regard, the Romanian Patriarchate, through its Filantropia Federation and the Social Mission Diaconia, implemented a project titled “Eco-Initiatives in Parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Romania and the Republic of Moldova.”
The project aimed to foster ecological education and identify solutions for increasing environmental responsibility in several parishes of the Archdiocese of Bucharest and the Metropolis of Bessarabia. An Ecological Parish Guide was also published, designed to educate and encourage responsible behaviour toward nature, seen as God’s creation.
Environmental conservation and the prudent use of natural resources can help reverse the present situation, marked by excessive pollution, climate change, global warming, the alarming extinction of numerous plant and animal species, and the spread of diseases that affect human health.
In light of these worsening conditions, the Romanian Patriarchate’s appeal remains firm: the assumption of moral responsibility, renewal of personal life, and the rejection of attitudes driven by selfishness and greed—factors which, in the long run, deeply harm the entire creation given by God as a gift to humanity.
The vocation of mankind remains to protect and admire creation, not to exploit it irresponsibly, thereby preserving holy communion with the Creator.
Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate
Photo: Freepik.com
