Dreapta-credință, educația creștină și comuniunea izvorâtoare de filantropie. Evaluare pastorală a roadelor „Anului omagial euharistic”, în Arhiepiscopia Dunării de Jos
Right-faith, Christian education and the communion of philanthropy. Pastoral evaluation of the fruits of the "Eucharistic Year of Honor" in the Lower Danube Archdiocese
Author(s): Casian CrăciunSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion
Published by: EDITURA ARHIEPISCOPIEI DUNĂRII DE JOS
Keywords: bishop; right faith; Church; Christian education; fellowship; philanthropy; pastoral evaluation; catechetical program; the Eucharistic year;
Summary/Abstract: Addressing the theme of the Eucharistic Sacraments, by the decision of the Holy Synod this year, has a sacred utility for all Orthodox communities: the ac‑ ceptance of the Church of Christ the Saviouras a true and steadfast living community in dealing with dynamic changes in the contemporary, secular and secularized society. The chance of our salvation in the Church starts with our preparation to receive the “heavenly bread“. This implies, building first a “shrine” of the neighbor in our hearts, following the path of humility and repentance and receiving the Eucharistic Christ that the Holy Spirit makes present in the Church and in whom we rediscover our quality of Heavenly Father’s sons and united brothers. The Eucharist means forgiveness, healing, union with Christ the Savior through the Holy Spirit, in the Church, and the rediscovery of spiritual communion in the spiritual family of the Church through sacrificial love for others. The three steps of our spiritual ascent are: knowledge of the Savior by faith as the incarnateddivine Logos, but also as a High Priest; Receiving the Sacrament of Pen‑ ance for clarifying spiritual eyes; receiving the Holy Communion as “medicine of im‑ mortality” in the Divine Liturgy, the center of all true Christian life. The unity of work of the Lord is given in the presence and ministry of the Bishop in the Church, he is not just a performer of the Holy Eucharist, but also one who offers it to his flock for salvation.Addressing the Eucharistic theme unitarily and at the same time, from a multiple perspective in all Romanian Orthodox communities, has contributed significantly to strengthening the unity of faith, the unity of liturgical practice and of pastoralmissionary. Specifically, in the Diocese of the Lower Danube, this has been achieved at all levels, starting from missionary priest circles during the monthly administrative meetings at deaneries, preceded by the Divine Liturgy, and up to the entire Diocese. This year, over 450 priests with their bishop, received the Eucharist from the same Holy Chalice, which has led to a real strengthening of brotherly communion and solidarity.The Homage Year of the Eucharist has become a good opportunity in our Diocese, to increase the catechetical activity, directed especially towards young children. We note the efficiency of the catechetical program “Christ shared withchildren” received with joy in parishes. We believe that due to this program, many young people from the 450 parishes of the Diocese approached the Church and nearly 46,000 of them received Holy Communion this year. Also, we were happy to see a more increased participation at the Divine Liturgyof young families with babies brought to receive the Communion, and of believers, in general. The concrete and visible consequences of spiritual growth in the Eucharistic communion are freedom fromselfishness, attachment to the true faith and increasing the deeds of loving the neighbor.
Journal: TEOLOGIE ȘI EDUCAȚIE LA DUNĂREA DE JOS
- Issue Year: XIII/2014
- Issue No: 13
- Page Range: 11-18
- Page Count: 8
- Language: Romanian