The Patriarch Justinian Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest opened the 2026–2027 academic year on Thursday with a call for students to become active witnesses of the Christian faith in contemporary society.
The celebrations began with the Divine Liturgy at St Catherine Church, the university chapel, celebrated by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești together with clergy who teach at the theological faculty. The programme also included a Te Deum service.
At the end of the liturgical programme, Bishop Varlaam read Patriarch Daniel’s message of blessing to students and professors.
“Bearing witness to the faith through word and deed, loving both prayer and action, young people are missionaries in today’s society, representing not only the future but also the active and creative present of the Church. In this sense, the Church calls young people to seek, experience and bear witness to Christ’s love for all people,” His Beatitude said.
“Developing one’s own identity, establishing and supporting the Christian family, giving birth to and raising children in the love of enduring values, and educating young people in the spirit of the Christian faith are priorities and responsibilities for the Family, the Church and the School.”
Responsibility and continuous formation
The Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop emphasised the importance of setting clear objectives for the mission entrusted to students.
“In the prayer that was read, among the many gifts we asked from God, we also prayed that we might be granted the wisdom to rise above trivial concerns,” Bishop Varlaam said.
“Participation in the Divine Liturgy and in important events in our university life are not simply occasions to be marked by our physical presence; rather, they require an active and vigilant presence,” His Grace added.
“Great attentiveness is needed, because time passes regardless, and what matters is whether it passes to our benefit or to our loss, knowing that time is the one thing that can never be recovered.”
The bishop also urged students to prepare themselves to respond to the challenges facing society and to bear witness to the truth of the Church.
“May God grant all of you abundant health and joy, and may the Mother of God keep us all under her protection.”
Milestones in the Faculty’s life
Fr Cosmin Pricop, Dean of the Faculty, highlighted the occasion’s significance for an institution that will mark 145 years since its establishment.
“We must be grateful to our predecessors, both as members of the teaching staff and as undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students. We have received a legacy from those who came before us, and we are called to understand it properly and carry it forward,” the Dean said.
Fr Cosmin Pricop also paid tribute to Fr Nicu Moldoveanu, a former member of the Faculty’s teaching staff who recently reposed in the Lord.
“He was an aristocrat in the finest and best sense of the word. He was a man in whom respect, attention to detail and a sense of duty were embodied and embraced to the fullest extent.”
“We are all called to carry this legacy forward, and we can do so together — as members of the teaching staff and together with you, the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students.”
The opening programme continued with a ceremonial lecture in the Faculty’s I. G. Coman Amphitheatre, where students met their professors and the institution’s leadership.
Claudiu-Paul Buglea, President of the Senate of the University of Bucharest, also attended alongside members of the Faculty’s teaching staff.
