International theology symposium in Bucharest examines challenges facing Christian families

The International Theological Symposium, titled “The Christian Family – Light and Witness in Contemporary Society”, opened on Tuesday in the Patriarch Teoctist Aula Magna at the Palace of the Patriarchate in Bucharest.

Among those attending were His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel; Fr Wilhelm Dancă, Vice-President of the Romanian Academy and representative of its President, Marius Andruh; Romeo Moșoiu, adviser at the Ministry of Education and representative of Acting Education Minister Mihai Dimian; Ciprian Vasile Olinici, State Secretary for Religious Affairs; and Marian Preda, Rector of the University of Bucharest.

The symposium took place from 5 to 8 October.

The family in the Church and society Patriarch Daniel emphasised that the family is an “icon of God’s love for humanity” and an “earthly environment of preparation for holiness”.

“It becomes the place where Christian virtues are learned and practised: fervent prayer, humble and merciful love, patience, forgiveness and assistance to those in need,” His Beatitude said.

The Patriarch of Romania also highlighted the challenges facing families in contemporary society.

“Today, we are witnessing a spiritual crisis…