“A dignified future can only be built through knowing and embracing one’s own identity,” Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia told students at the Ion Creangă Pedagogical College in Bălți, Republic of Moldova, on Tuesday.
In his message marking the start of the new school and academic year, the Metropolitan of Bessarabia emphasised that education is not limited to accumulating information.
“Beyond classes and examinations, however, a far more important work is being accomplished: the formation of character and the inner renewal of the person.”
‘A common endeavour of the family, school and Church’
His Eminence also referred to the challenges posed by increasingly widespread access to information and artificial intelligence, emphasising the need to cultivate discernment.
“We live in an age in which access to information and artificial intelligence is almost unlimited, yet the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood and good from evil is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire without spiritual experience and a spiritual mindset.”
“We are called to rediscover education as a common endeavour of the family, the school and the Church. The family gives the child their first experience of love and trust. The school disciplines the mind and helps children discover the gifts they have received from God. The Church forms their conscience and teaches them to experience freedom as a great responsibility,” the Metropolitan said.
‘Learn the Romanian language thoroughly’
Metropolitan Antonie emphasised teachers’ responsibility to discover and cultivate each student’s vocation.
“A true teacher imparts knowledge, awakens the desire to think and helps students discover what they can become and what can bring them fulfilment as human beings.”
The Metropolitan of Bessarabia offered several pieces of advice to students at the Ion Creangă Pedagogical College in Bălți:
“Study in order to understand, to become free in your thinking and to be of service to your fellow human beings and to society. Use technology and the achievements of science wisely, but do not entrust them with the power to think and make choices on your behalf.”
“Learn the Romanian language thoroughly, know the history of the Romanian people to which you belong, and cherish the culture inherited from our forebears,” Metropolitan Antonie added.
Diploma of gratitude
The festive programme also included an artistic performance prepared by the college students, who joined in a traditional Romanian hora, highlighting Romanian traditions and a spirit of community.
Also attending the opening ceremony were Anatol Moraru, director of the Ion Creangă Pedagogical College; Natalia Gașițoi, rector of Alecu Russo State University of Bălți; and Alexandru Marian Trifu, Romania’s Consul General in Bălți.
On the same occasion, Natalia Gașițoi presented Metropolitan Antonie with a diploma of gratitude in recognition of the cooperation between the Diocese of Bălți and the university, his support for educational and cultural projects, and his contribution to the formation of the younger generation.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
