A group of priests from the Metropolis of Bessarabia is participating in a training-of-trainers course titled “Domestic Violence and Combating Stereotypes in the Orthodox Perspective,” held on February 17-18.
The training is organized by the Diaconia Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in partnership with UN Women Moldova.
One of the trainers is Father Ciprian Ion-Ioniță, Patriarchal Counselor and President of the Filantropia Federation of the Romanian Patriarchate, who provides spiritual guidance and an Orthodox perspective on addressing violence and gender stereotypes.
Key Topics Discussed
Participants explore:
- The definition and impact of domestic violence on family members,
- The Orthodox Church’s stance on domestic violence,
- The theology of equality and mutual respect between men and women,
- The correction of misinterpretations of religious teachings concerning domestic violence.
Other topics include:
- The Orthodox Church’s concrete response to domestic violence,
- Religious education as a tool for prevention,
- Ways to challenge gender stereotypes and adapt traditional perspectives on family roles.
Church Engagement in Family Issues
“Through this project, the Orthodox Church becomes an active supporter in preventing domestic violence, promoting values of love, respect, and mutual understanding,” stated representatives of the Diaconia Social Mission on their Facebook page.
The event is part of the project “Love for One’s Neighbor: Empowering Religious Communities to Prevent Domestic Violence in Rural Areas.”
It is implemented under the regional initiative “EU4GenderEquality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence” (Phase II), funded by the European Union and coordinated by UN Women Moldova and UNFPA Moldova.
Photo: Facebook / Misiunea Socială Diaconia
