Bucharest Orthodox Theology Faculty opens academic year with call for active Christian witness

The Patriarch Justinian Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Bucharest opened the 2026–2027 academic year on Thursday with a call for students to become active witnesses of the Christian faith in contemporary society.

The celebrations began with the Divine Liturgy at St Catherine Church, the university chapel, celebrated by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești together with clergy who teach at the theological faculty. The programme also included a Te Deum service.

At the end of the liturgical programme, Bishop Varlaam read Patriarch Daniel’s message of blessing to students and professors.

“Bearing witness to the faith through word and deed, loving both prayer and action, young people are missionaries in today’s society, representing not only the future but also the active and creative present of the Church. In this sense, the Church calls young people to seek, experience and bear witness to Christ’s love for all people,” His Beatitude said.

“Developing one’s own identity, establishing and supporting the Christian family, giving birth to and raising children in the love of enduring values, and educating young people in the spirit of the Christian faith are…