A group of Romanian Orthodox scouts from France visited the Patriarchal Palace on Tuesday, where a delegation of 18 children, accompanied by their leaders, was received in the Conventus Hall by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, general secretary of the Holy Synod.
The bishop addressed the scouts with a message highlighting the importance of preserving and valuing Romanian cultural heritage in the diaspora.
“Romanian literature is of great value, especially the classical tradition, and it would be a pity not to make use of these treasures, particularly because they help you preserve the language in its refined forms,” the bishop said.
He stressed the role of culture in strengthening national identity. “This gives you an identity-based pride of belonging to a people with a very high culture,” he added.
Bishop Varlaam also recalled that the scouting movement has a long history and was closely linked to the Church for many years, though the communist period led to a separation.
Visit programme
The group’s programme includes several major landmarks in Bucharest, including the National Cathedral, Cotroceni Palace and the Romanian Peasant Museum, where the young visitors will take part in an interactive activity organised by museum staff.
Speaking about the purpose of the visit, Fr Ioan Drăgănicea, president of the association, underlined the importance of introducing young people to Romania’s great spiritual landmarks.
“The most important point is the visit to the National Cathedral, to show the children what has been achieved in this holy place,” he said.
A significant moment in the itinerary will also be a pilgrimage to Ghighiu Monastery, where the scouts will venerate the wonderworking “Syriac” Icon of the Mother of God.
In addition to the visits, the scouts will attend the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas-Ghica Church in Bucharest.
The Orthodox Scouts Association in the diaspora was founded in 2022 and aims to offer Romanian youth abroad a formative framework inspired by the values of faith and education.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
