The clergy of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy deliberated last week on the perils associated with substance abuse, as well as methods of pastoral care and rehabilitation for individuals afflicted with addictions.
Saint Theotimus of Tomis Parish in Giaveno served as the host parish for the spring semi-annual pastoral conference of the Diocese, where the discussion was held.
The proceedings of the April 4 meeting were presided over by His Grace Bishop Siluan of Italy.
The Consul General of Romania in Turin, Cosmin Dumitrescu, also attended and extended a cordial salutation to all attendees.
Fr. Marius Floricu, dean of Piemonte, presented a paper titled “Support, prevention, and rehabilitation of individuals with addictions” to the proceedings.
Father Floricu delivered a disconcerting statistical analysis regarding the proliferation of illicit substances in Europe. He underscored the multifaceted nature of addictions, encompassing alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, pharmaceuticals, and hallucinogens. In addition to kleptomania and pornography, he included wagering and video games on this list.
The aetiology of addictions was also deliberated upon, encompassing a confluence of physical, mental, emotional, and circumstantial elements: familial predisposition, chronic physical or emotional discomfort, stress, negative cognition, anxiety, depression, and stress.
The subsequent assembly segment was devoted to suggestions concerning pastoral and missionary matters.
Photography courtesy of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy
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