The Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești met Monday morning at the Patriarchal Palace with 11 students from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, who are on a study visit to Romania.
The history of the relationship between the Church and the State in the Christian sphere was presented by the patriarchal auxiliary bishop on this occasion. He also emphasised the collaboration between the two entities in the mediaeval period and the modern and contemporary era.
At the same time, His Grace underscored the cultural, political, and economic transformations that transpired subsequent to the communist regime’s collapse.
The students, in turn, inquired about the involvement and contribution of young people in the Romanian Orthodox Church and its relationships with other Christian denominations and churches in the country.
Prof. Horia Dijmărescu, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh, is coordinating the American students’ visit to Romania from May 13 to 24.
In conclusion, the students had the opportunity to admire the winning works of the National Contest “Orthodox Icon—the light of faith,” which were exhibited in the Europa Christiana Hall at the Patriarchal Palace.
Photography courtesy of Lumina Newspaper / Mihnea Păduraru
