Fr Alexandru Popescu of the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Valletta took part in an interfaith event hosted by Malta’s President, Myriam Spiteri Debono, on Wednesday, May 13.
The event brought together leaders and representatives of various religious communities, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Evangelical Baptist Church, the Islamic Community, the Jewish Community and the Baha’i Community.
Among the Orthodox Churches represented were the Bulgarian, Greek, Serbian and Georgian Orthodox Churches.
The gathering precedes the International Conference “Religion and Society”, which will address the theme: “Who Cares? Society, Religions, and the Concern for the Other”.
“Faith is a force for peace”
“In recognising the ‘other,’ we affirm a truth that lies at the heart of all our traditions, the inherent dignity of every human being.” President Myriam Spiteri Debono said.
“To the question ‘Who cares?’, may our answer be clear and resolute: We care. We care for those like us and for those who are different. For the majority, and for the minority. For the believer, and for the one who does not believe. Diversity, when embraced with sincerity and respect, is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to cherish.”
“May this gathering reaffirm our shared resolve: to reject indifference, to resist division, and to ensure that faith is a force for peace, compassion, and the common good,” the President of Malta added.
The International Conference “Religion and Society” will take place in Malta at the end of May.
This is not the first time that Father Alexandru Popescu has been invited to the San Anton Presidential Palace in Malta. Children from the parish community have performed carols at the palace twice, and former president George Vella has visited the parish church.
Photo: Facebook / Myriam Spiteri de Bono
