{"id":568015,"date":"2026-04-22T10:50:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=568015"},"modified":"2026-04-22T10:50:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:50:21","slug":"romanian-orthodox-scouts-france-patriarchate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/romanian-orthodox-scouts-france-patriarchate\/","title":{"rendered":"Romanian Orthodox scouts from France visit Patriarchate to deepen faith and cultural identity"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 Ploie\u0219ti, general secretary of the Holy Synod.<\/b><\/p>\n

The bishop addressed the scouts with a message highlighting the importance of preserving and valuing Romanian cultural heritage in the diaspora.<\/p>\n

\u201cRomanian 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,\u201d the bishop said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He stressed the role of culture in strengthening national identity. \u201cThis gives you an identity-based pride of belonging to a people with a very high culture,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Visit programme<\/h2>\n

The group\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Speaking about the purpose of the visit, Fr Ioan Dr\u0103g\u0103nicea, president of the association, underlined the importance of introducing young people to Romania\u2019s great spiritual landmarks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important point is the visit to the National Cathedral, to show the children what has been achieved in this holy place,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A significant moment in the itinerary will also be a pilgrimage to Ghighiu Monastery, where the scouts will venerate the wonderworking \u201cSyriac\u201d Icon of the Mother of God.<\/p>\n

In addition to the visits, the scouts will attend the Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas-Ghica Church in Bucharest.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n