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Archid. Sorin Mihalache spoke about the life lived consciously in the context of the current challenges at a parish in Luxembourgtranslated

July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Archdeacon Adrian Sorin Mihalache spoke on Monday at the Parish of the Nativity of the Lord and Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist in Luxembourg during a conference on the role of attention in relation to others.

At the invitation of parish priest Ion Tîrgoală, the lecturer addressed one of the most important challenges of the contemporary world: the rediscovery of attention as the foundation of personal balance, authentic relationships and spiritual life. The theme was entitled Mindful Living.

Guest Sorin Mihalache highlighted the fact that modern man divides his attention between numerous professional, family and digital demands, which leads to fatigue, superficiality and distance from God.

Among the father's recommendations were attention to prayer and participation in the Holy Liturgy, as well as the need to rediscover peace, patience and authentic presence in everyday life.

Attention as a virtue Throughout the conference, the conference father emphasized the fact that attention is not only a psychological exercise, but a Christian virtue. It means being present before God, attentive to your neighbor and aware of your own...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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Мария Колева

In Sofia, when we are at the Sfânta Liturghie in the parish of Sfânta Sofia, I see that many people are using the phone while they are standing for Sfânta Communion. Când părintele Mihalache spune că attention e virtute, mă căndesc la asta și encern să nu-mi scad gămătea de pe crucea din biserica de la corner.

Alexandra Marin

When I stand in line for Holy Communion in the church in Constanța, I see that many are looking at their phones, but my niece Elena helps me look at the cross in front, as in the article. She says that focusing on the cross makes it easier not to remember the messages.

Radu Gheorghiu

Here in Sibiu, at the Liturgy at the Cathedral, I see exactly what Father Mihalache is saying: people with their noses in their phones even when they approach the Chalice. I try to remember his advice with silence and presence, but I admit that sometimes my mind wanders to the next day's affairs. Alexandra Marin's niece gave me a good idea – maybe next time I'll stare at the cross on the iconostasis so that I don't get distracted by everything.

Maria Ionescu

You're right, it's the same here in the cathedral, I see the phones out right next to the icons. I try to stick to the cross on the iconostasis like Radu, but sometimes I keep slipping on the shopping list. Do you think it would help if the parent mentioned this more often before communion?

Румяна Петрова

Maria, in our church in Sofia I often see the same thing - people with phones in their hands even in the line for communion. Reading what Father Sorin says, I remember that I also try not to look away, but to stand with my thoughts at the cross above the altar. And do you manage to stay like that throughout the liturgy, or do you sometimes still get distracted?

Daniela Marin

Yes, Alexandra, I also saw here in Cluj how some people look at their phones even during communion. Your niece Elena is right, paying attention to the front cross changes everything. How do you help her to be more present at the Liturgy?

Andreea Matei

Yes, I have also seen at our services how phones steal attention even in the most sacred moments. I tell my girls to leave their cell phones in their bags before entering the church, and during prayer I ask them to look directly at the icon above the iconostasis. What do you think, does it help more to explain to them ahead of time or to give them an example first?

Ștefan Stan

Maria, you are right, I see the same thing here in Sibiu, especially among young people. I think that a clear word from the priest before communion would help a lot, but each of us must also remember for ourselves why we came to church, not the shopping list. How do you pull yourself together when those thoughts start?

Атанас Ангелов

Roumiana, it's exactly the same with us in Ruse - at Liturgy, I see how half the people check their phones even before the "Our Father". I also try to keep my eyes on the cross, but honestly, sometimes my mind wanders to work or the kids. How do you come back when you get distracted - with a short prayer?

Ioana Popa

Yes, Stefan, it's the same here in Sibiu, especially on Sunday mornings when you see tired faces on the phone. I try to gather myself from home, reading a verse from the Gospel before I leave, and at the Liturgy I stick to the words of the prayer out loud so that my thoughts don't fly. Do you think it would help if the priest talked about it more often in catechesis, not just before communion?