Patriarch Daniel has issued a message of encouragement to Romanian pupils and students preparing for examinations, urging them to combine diligent study with prayer, perseverance and trust in the gifts received from God.
In a message addressed to young people across Romania as the examination season begins, the Patriarch stresses that academic success is important but should not overshadow the deeper purpose of education: the formation of character, respect for others, and the responsible use of knowledge for the benefit of society.
Patriarch Daniel also calls on parents, teachers and parish clergy to support students through wise counsel, patience, prayer and practical assistance, noting that the combined support of family, school and Church helps young people overcome the pressures and anxieties associated with examinations.
The Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church encourages students to view every examination not only as a test of knowledge but also as an opportunity to cultivate honesty, responsibility and personal dignity, while praying that Christ, “the Teacher and Light of the world,” may grant them peace, discernment, health and blessed success.
Blessing and Encouragement for Pupils and Students During Examination Season
Dear pupils and young people,
The Romanian Orthodox Church has always supported schools and education, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, responsibility, and the assimilation of authentic values that foster communion among people and enrich the life of society.
Examinations are important moments of assessment and intellectual and emotional growth, and they also represent necessary stages in your personal and professional development.
In a society characterised by increasing demands and competition, achieving good examination results requires perseverance, diligent study, and confidence in the gifts God has given.
The results obtained in examinations are important; however, the true value of education is revealed above all in the formation of character, in cultivating respect for others, and in developing the discernment to use knowledge not only for personal benefit but also for the good of society. Therefore, time devoted to study should be united with prayer and the preservation of good hope.
During this period of intense intellectual and emotional effort, we encourage parents, teachers, and parish priests to stand by you with wise counsel, sincere encouragement, patience, prayer, and practical assistance, each according to their particular responsibilities and ministries.
The support of family, school, and Church gives young people the confidence and strength to overcome the anxieties and challenges inherent in examination periods.
At the same time, we urge you to regard every examination not only as a test of accumulated knowledge, but also as an opportunity to cultivate honesty, responsibility, and personal dignity—virtues that are essential throughout life.
We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Teacher and Light of the world, to grant you peace of soul, discernment, strength for your work, good health, and blessed success, crowning your efforts with joy and fulfilment.
With paternal love and blessing,
† Daniel
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Basilica.ro Files / Raluca Ene
