On Thursday evening, Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești attended the traditional Christmas carol concert organized by the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest.
Addressing the students, he emphasized that Christian holidays should be celebrated with intensity, regardless of the challenges of our times.
“Just as true Christians are accustomed to prayer—not merely repeating a text composed centuries ago, but mastering a craft acquired with wisdom, discernment, and practice, where we detach ourselves from external distractions and engage in a personal dialogue with God, avoiding interruptions from the radio, television, or even the refrigerator—so too must we approach the holidays,” said His Grace.
Discernment Amid Societal Challenges
Reflecting on the current societal unrest, Bishop Varlaam urged wisdom and discernment.
“If we focus on this joy, if we genuinely seek it and disregard the noise around us—not out of irresponsibility but to preserve the purity of these holidays—we can experience them with the intensity they deserve. After millennia of humanity wandering without meaning, Christ’s birth gives humanity purpose,” he stated.
He also encouraged young carolers to remain undisturbed by the distractions of daily life.
“I urge especially the young carolers to strive so that nothing in this world, none of the daily chaos, prevents them from discovering the authentic, profound joy of Christmas and the other holidays that follow.”
A Night of Emotion and Talent
Among the guests was the President of the Senate of the University of Bucharest, Assoc. Prof. Claudiu-Paul Buglea, who described the event as “an hour of deep emotions.” He praised the students for their exceptional talent, particularly admiring the carol performed on the traditional Romanian kaval, which he described as embodying “the sound of our Romanian essence.”
Rev. Cosmin Daniel Pricop, Dean of the “Patriarch Justinian” Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest, expressed his hope for the carols’ message to take root in the hearts of all attendees.
“May we continue to carry forward this beautiful tradition of carolling—a tradition that brings a touch of light, hope, and joy into all our lives,” he encouraged.
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Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
