“Dialogue between a psychotherapist and a priest of the Church is of maximum usefulness, provided that the anthropological premises are common and biblically grounded,” said His Grace Bishop Benedict of Sălaj in an interview with Father Florin-Ciprian Petre for the Hristocentric project, which promotes an integrative psycho-spiritual approach to mental health.
“In the ancient Philokalic tradition, there are three stages of spiritual ascent: the bodily, referring to external asceticism; the psychic, focused especially on the discipline of the mind; and the spiritual, in which the work of Grace predominates,” the hierarch recalled.
“The second stage involves the cleansing of the mind and its emotional effects. In general terms—though inaccurately—people sometimes speak of spiritual crises or experiences, but in fact, these belong more to the intermediate, psychic stage.”
“At this point, the role of Psychology becomes evident, as well as Theology’s opportunity to draw on this modern science, which can provide greater understanding and adequate solutions for specific problems, and greater clarity for states improperly called spiritual, but more emotional in nature,” explained His Grace.
Psychology and Spiritual Guidance
The bishop stated that theologians and clergy must accept that Psychology can bring a deeper understanding of the human being in today’s world.
“At the same time, however, Psychology must understand what happens uniquely in the Mystery of Confession: the work of Grace, which heals wounds, forgives burdens, and imparts courage,” he underlined.
“Emotional states may be improved in psychotherapy, but true healing comes through Grace—as forgiveness, assumption, and renewal. As long as both respect their limits and share common anthropological and theological premises, they can work together fruitfully.”
Therefore, meetings between representatives of the two fields are both necessary and essential, Bishop Benedict stressed.
“We need each other, since emotional problems are so diverse—yet resources are also abundant. I believe we live in an age of great scientific development in Psychology, alongside an increasing emotional fragility of the human being.”
“At the same time, we strongly support training in Psychology for priests, for a better understanding of reality, for more complete pastoral intervention in various situations, and for opening towards new resources needed for holistic care of those in need,” the bishop affirmed.
“From the outset, we must observe how God sets us together through diverse gifts, ministries, and works—different competences, all in the service of the human being.”
“At present, there is unprecedented growth in these social sciences. For this reason, the contemporary perspective is integrative, aiming at a better understanding of the complexity of human structure and functioning. In the past, these sciences stubbornly tried to prove their self-sufficiency, but now the perspective is rather one of collaboration.”
Bishop Benedict of Sălaj is a supporter of the Hristocentric project, for which he has also provided a spiritual course for psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists.
Father Dr Florin-Ciprian Petre serves at the chapel of “Prof. Dr Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital in Bucharest, is an associate lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures in the Master’s program of Religious Studies, and hosts the radio show Gospel and Life on Radio Trinitas.
About Hristocentric
The Hristocentric project aims both to integrate Orthodox Christian principles into psychotherapeutic practice and to develop priests’ psychological understanding of the soul’s processes. To this end, interviews have been conducted, and numerous courses and meetings have been organised between mental health specialists and Orthodox clergy and theologians.
On October 6, 2025, the first National Hristocentric Conference will take place at the Patriarchal Palace, presenting nationwide research on the theme: “Improving Collaboration between Priests and Mental Health Specialists: The Premises of Genuine Co-Working.”
The project’s activities and research lay the foundations for establishing a professional association to promote collaboration between clergy and mental health specialists, said Prof. Adrian Opre, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, and one of Hristocentric’s founding members.
Photo: Hristocentric
