His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel on Wednesday officiated a blessing service for the new rector’s office at the University of Bucharest.
The inauguration was attended by academicians, state officials, members of the University’s board of trustees, and professors.
The rector of the University of Bucharest, Prof. Mircea Dumitru, told the audience that ‘the building is the result of projects that started about two decades ago,’ adding that ‘in the next five years this will be a modern, dynamic campus.’
The new campus will include buildings and facilities ‘which will serve the entire community and will give that absolutely necessary foundation for the educational and research projects of the University of Bucharest,’ the rector said October 9.
Founding institution of the Romanian State
Mircea Dumitru ended his speech by expressing his hope that the new campus ‘will propel the University of Bucharest as a genuine European university.’
The University’s Principal, Prof. Marian Preda, highlighted the history of the academic institution in Bucharest and its contribution to the achievement of the Romanian state.
“Our University has a history of over 320 years, as an institution that continues the Princely Academy established by Constantin Brâncoveanu and over 150 years of modern existence as a founding institution of the Romanian State, together with Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iasi.’
‘It is a founding institution of the Romanian State, because it was part of the arrangements for establishing the United Principalities.’
Dialogue between University and Church
In his speech, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church pointed to the important role of the dialogue between the University and the Church.
“The dialogue between scientific knowledge and spirituality, but also between the University and the Church, is meant to cultivate a communion of values of intelligent and wise humanity.”
The joint effort of the two institutions “defends today the dignity of the person, the quality of social life and the integrity of the surrounding nature.”
The new building serves as the University’s administrative center, and includes the Senate Hall, the Board room, three amphitheatres for courses, as well as spaces for relaxation and socialization.
Foto credit: Basilica.ro/ Raluca Ene
