A group of thirteen students from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, accompanied by Professor Horia M. Dijmărescu, visited the Patriarchal Palace on Monday.
The group was welcomed by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești and Archimandrite Augustin Coman, coordinating patriarchal adviser of the Department for Christian, Interreligious and Romanian Communities Abroad Relations.
The bishop shared the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church with the guests and discussed the Church’s key challenges in the current social, political, and economic landscape.
The Department for External Church Relations reported that students inquired about the Romanian Orthodox Church’s societal role, its relationship with the State, and how Orthodox Christian values are promoted publicly.
Topics discussed also included the importance of education, the social and philanthropic work undertaken by the Romanian Orthodox Church, and its contribution to safeguarding the spiritual and cultural identity of the Romanian people.
Professor Horia M. Dijmărescu and the 13 American students are currently on a four-week study visit (from May 9 to June 12) in Romania, during which they will meet with various religious, political, and cultural figures across the country.
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Luigi Ivanciu
