Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia delivered a message at the beginning of the new school year, stating that the Church and School “unite in one heart, aiming to educate and train good Christians and future specialists by cultivating the authentic traditional values of our people.”
The hierarch’s message is structured in three parts and explicitly appeals to educators, parents, and students.
Appeals to educators
Metropolitan Irineu reminded teachers that they have before them “not only the future of a generation but also our future, the future of us all.”
“The spiritual and material well-being of tomorrow depends on the preparation of young people today. In this context, students’ spiritual formation and didactic instruction are linked to the mission, which is full of responsibilities that you must assume, the fruit of which concerns not only the present but also our future.”
“We have full confidence in your professional ability to overcome difficulties. We know your dedication to fulfilling your tasks and assure you of all our spiritual and material support. The Metropolitanate of Oltenia supports you and the students through its educational, social, and philanthropic programs, as well as through the religion teachers in the counties of Oltenia, who are involved in large-scale projects for both students and teachers across the country.”
Metropolitan Irineu pointed out that the teaching staff in the Metropolis of Oltenia is elite, and the results recorded in the field of education by teachers and students in educational units in Oltenia are the pride of the entire region. This is evidenced by the numerous awards obtained at national and international competitions and olympiads.
“Dear teachers, we encourage you to keep in your hearts the model of the Perfect Teacher, the Saviour Christ, and to be role models for your students, transmitting, in addition to knowledge and warmth, care and love for God.”
Appeals to parents
“Of course, the education of children begins in the family. The first good habits are formed at home, among loved ones. Therefore, parents must raise their children in the love of God and neighbour, having fear and reverence for holy things, for fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7).
At the same time, the hierarch noted, “We are not only obliged to educate young people but also to follow their purity.”
“The Saviour Christ asks us to have the humility of children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, their purity and spiritual cleanliness. Let us remember, therefore, that we are all children of the Heavenly Father and just as we demand obedience from our children, we are also obliged to obey the Lord’s commandments and grow on the path of truth, goodness, and beauty.”
Appeals to students
“Today, you begin a new preparation stage alongside your colleagues and teachers. A new school year is a step you take on the path of your professional and spiritual formation,” His Eminence noted.
“I am convinced that you all know that only an educated person will be able to solve the questions and challenges of today’s society. Undoubtedly, School is the environment where, in addition to acquiring new knowledge, social relationships are based on friendship and solidarity, which offer us the most diverse experiences.”
“To always be prepared for these confrontations, we encourage you to always have a love of God and neighbour in your heart. Learn the Lord’s commandments and deepen the teachings of the Church Fathers to overcome the difficulties inherent in the world we live in, becoming an example for those around you.”
“The desire for knowledge, specific to young people, must be channelled towards enriching the mind, using the guidance of your teachers and professors.”
In conclusion, Metropolitan Irineu urged the students to always remember the words of the Apostle Paul: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial; all things are lawful for me, but nothing should have dominion over me” (1 Corinthians 6:12), and also those of the Saviour Jesus Christ: “Whoever does and teaches these things will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene
