Doru Marcu | University of Craiova (original) (raw)
Books by Doru Marcu
Relația dintre misiune și eclesiologie în viziunea Pr. Prof. Ion Bria, 2022
Scopul propus prin această cercetare este subliniat în mod direct de către titlul lucrării. Teolo... more Scopul propus prin această cercetare este subliniat în mod direct
de către titlul lucrării. Teologia Pr. Prof. Ion Bria conține poziții
eclesiologice și misionare sau misiologice. În acest sens, mi-am propus să
analizez relația sau raportul dintre misiune și eclesiologie, cu scopul de a
înțelege dimensiunea misionară a Bisericii Ortodoxe. Prezenta teză se află
în aria de cercetare a domeniului Teologie, specializarea Misiologie și
Ecumenism. În mod evident, cercetarea va implica și elemente de
eclesiologie, hristologie și pnevmatologie, care aparțin de specializarea
Teologie Dogmatică.
Premisa de cercetare are în vedere poziția oficială a Bisericii Ortodoxe care consideră că misiunea este parte integrantă a eclesiologiei. Din această perspectivă, există o unitate indisolubilă între misiune și eclesiologie, într-atât de mult încât din poziția teologilor dogmatiști separarea pentru analiză a celor două dimensiuni prezintă anumite riscuri.
Din perspectivă misiologică, tema nu este una nouă, însă rămâne de actualitate. Dacă din punct de vedere protestant nu există Biserică fără misiune, din perspectivă ortodoxă nu există misiune fără Biserică. Pornind de la această permisă a teologiei ortodoxe, teza fundamentală pe care o voi demonstra în această lucrare este aceasta că în viziunea Pr. Prof. Ion Bria relația dintre misiune și eclesiologie este definită de conceptul liturghie după Liturghie. În consecință, acesta nu este un concept misionar, ci unul eclesiologic-misionar par excellence, exprimând cât se poate de clar că există o unitate între eclesiologie și misiune. Altfel spus, obiectivul principal al acestei lucrări este să demonstrăm că sintagma liturghie după Liturghie este un concept eclesiologic-misionar, care definește relația dintre misiune și eclesiologie în viziunea Pr. Prof. Ion Bria. Pentru atingerea acestui obiectiv principal, vom avea nevoie de câteva obiective secundare și anume: a) prezentarea activității și itinerariului misionar-ecumenic al Pr. Ion Bria; b) analiza critică a ideilor eclesiologice ale Pr. Ion Bria și a deschiderii sale ecumenice; c) clarificarea paternității sintagmei liturghie după Liturghie; d) definirea teologică a sintagmei liturghie după Liturghie și a legăturii dintre misiune și eclesiologie prin prisma acestui concept; e) receptarea sintagmei liturghie după Liturghie în diferite documente, consultații și în lucrările diferiților teologi.
Pentru îndeplinirea obiectivului principal, dar și a celor secundare, planul lucrării va cuprinde trei capitole și anume: Itinerariul misionar, activitatea ecumenică și opera scrisă ale Pr. Prof. Dr. Ion Bria (capitolul 1); Eclesiologia Pr. Prof. Dr. Ion Bria și valoarea ei ecumenică (capitolul 2) și Concepția eclesiologic-misionară a Pr. Prof. Dr. Ion Bria: liturghie după Liturghie (capitolul 3). În mod evident, fiecare capitol va avea subcapitolele aferente, în funcție de specificul temelor abordate.
A Critical Analysis of the Theological Positions and Ecumenical Activity of Ion Bria (1929-2002), 2022
The Orthodox Churches are part of the ecumenical movement with the inner wish to clarify the theo... more The Orthodox Churches are part of the ecumenical movement with the inner wish to clarify the theological elements which keep the whole Christianity divided. For this goal, every Church is represented somehow in discussions by her theologians who are training to carry a theological dispute at this level. The Romanian Orthodox Church was indirectly represented in the World Council of Church by professor Ion Bria (1929-2002), who had worked officially at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva for more than 20 years.
This theological research has the aim to speak to us about Bria’s personality and ecumenical activity. In order to accomplish this goal, I will expand my research in three chapters. In the first one, I will present his biographical life. Until this moment he remains the most important Romanian theologian involved in the ecumenical dialogue. The second chapter deals with the history of the modern ecumenical movement and also with Bria’s perspective on the dialogue between Orthodoxy and ecumenism, which are for him two correlative elements. Bria comes to confront the anti-ecumenical part within the Orthodox Church who does not accept the Christian dialogue being afraid of heresy. Bria explain how through dialogue, the line between Orthodoxy and the other Christians can be overrun. In the third chapter I explain the missionary concept ‘liturgyafter the Liturgy’, both historically and theologically. Being aware that there are some uncertainties around this concept I decided to clarify it in a proper way. Bria is known as the promoter of this concept, so I will search to find out who is the originator of this expression as such. In the same chapter I will analyze the ecclesiological elements from Bria’s writings. The ecumenical dialogue is interpreted of being an ecclesiological problem par excellence so I will outline Bria’s position regarding the teaching of the Church. In conclusion I will present in a synthetic way the results of this study.
Papers by Doru Marcu
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2024
Potrivit actului de proclamare al „Anului omagial al pastoraţiei şi îngrijirii bolnavilor” și al ... more Potrivit actului de proclamare al „Anului omagial al pastoraţiei şi îngrijirii bolnavilor” și al „Anului comemorativ al tuturor Sfinţilor tămăduitori fără de arginţi”, pentru anul 2024, în Patriarhia Română, Biserica Ortodoxă poartă de grijă și se simte responsabilă de viața și sănătatea omului „ca daruri ale lui Dumnezeu”. În acest sens, lucrarea pastorală a Bisericii și slujitorilor ei pentru îngrijirea bolnavilor se manifestă în diferite forme. De aceea, din perspectivă ortodoxă, împărtășirea și pomenirea în cadrul Sfintei Liturghii este recomandată și de folos tuturor celor care fac parte din Biserică, inclusiv a persoanelor care suferă de diverse boli trupești.
RELIGIONS, 2024
In this study, I will expose the perspective of the ecumenical dialogue in the theology of Fr. Io... more In this study, I will expose the perspective of the ecumenical dialogue in the theology of Fr. Ion Bria, one of the well-known Romanians involved in the ecumenical movement. In the first part, after a short introduction, I will present the most important biographical milestones of the Romanian theologian, as well as some details about his activity in the World Council of Churches. Then, in the second part, I will critically present the most important aspects of Bria’s ecumenical theology, as well as the reception of these ideas in contemporary Orthodox theology, in discussion with common witness and eucharistic communion within ecumenical dialogue. In the last part, I will present the critical remarks on ecumenism in Bria’s theology. Through this analysis, I will emphasize important directions that the ecumenical dialogue can exploit today to overcome some historical, cultural or theological preconceptions and misunderstandings.
RELIGIONS, 2023
In this study, I will analyse the position of the Orthodox Church(es) towards the ecumenical dial... more In this study, I will analyse the position of the Orthodox Church(es) towards the ecumenical dialogue in accordance with the documents approved by the Synod of Crete (2016), but also with the social document For the Life of the World of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (2020). After a brief presentation of the important moments of the historical journey for the meeting of the Synod, I will present the most important internal and reception issues of it. In the following, I will present the reason for the publication of the social document and the relation with the Synod of Crete. In the last part of the study, I will deal critically with a theological synthesis on the following topics: ecclesiological self-identity, Trinitarian baptism, the quality of being a Christian, the Orthodox Church and the Churches, ecumenism for dialogue, for witnessing, and cooperation. Of course, in the end, I will present the most important conclusions.
The Future of Mission Cooperation. The Living Legacy of the International Missionary Council, 2022
We will explore ecumenical collaboration for the sake of mission in the 21st century in this regi... more We will explore ecumenical collaboration for the sake of mission in the 21st century in this region. In this sense, we will consider ecumenical relations, theological education, migration and diaspora, and present challenges, and will try to identify the vision of the future. We will do this by focusing on four countries from the region as critical studies: the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Serbia.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2017
For this study, we will present the most important ecumenical activities of Patriarch Justinian M... more For this study, we will present the most important ecumenical activities of Patriarch Justinian Marina. He was the third Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church between 1948 and 1977. During this period, he was very concerned to establish a relationship with the main ecumenical institutions. We will speak about his dialogue with one of the most important ecumenical group, namely the World Council of Churches, founded in 1948 in Geneva,
Switzerland. Of course, the dialogue with the Church of England must to be
mentioned. His ecumenical activity was very important for the Orthodox
Church, Patriarch Justinian being one of the most important Church leaders
who tried and succeeded to be in contact with different religious leaders
from Romania and abroad. We do not have to forget that during his time the
communist regime ruled our country. In the first part, we will give different
historical information about his ecumenical activity and in the second part
we will explore his theological thinking about the ecumenical dialogue and
movement.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2017
The ecumenical dialogue involves many ideas and attitudes. Within these theological discussions, ... more The ecumenical dialogue involves many ideas and attitudes. Within these
theological discussions, Saint Cyprian of Carthage occupies his place. Most important, his vision about the Church has marked the entire Christianity. Because of this reason and for many others, this study attempts to explore his theological ideas regarding the limits of the Church, the validity of the Baptism outside the Church defined by her canonical limits. In order to accomplish this, we will have three important sections, as follows: 1. a short biographical life; 2. the ecclesiological ideas of St Cyprian expressed in two important disputes of his time, namely the problem of the fallen and the Baptism professed outside the Church; 3. the limits of the Church in the thought of St Cyprian and the theological critics which we can share about this subject. Of course, our study will have some important conclusions.
Mărturisirea credinței prin cuvânt și artă în Biserica Ortodoxă Română în perioada comunismului, 2017
Sinodul Bisericii Ortodoxe Române a declarat anul 2017 ca Anul Omagial al sfintelor icoane, al ic... more Sinodul Bisericii Ortodoxe Române a declarat anul 2017 ca Anul Omagial al sfintelor icoane, al iconarilor și pictorilor bisericești, dar și Anul comemorativ Justinian Patriarhul și al apărătorilor Ortodoxiei în timpul comunismului în Patriarhia Română.
Având în vedere tema propusă de organizatorii acestei dezbateri1, dar și anumite reacții negative după Sfântul și Marele Sinod al Bisericii Ortodoxe, desfășurat în Creta între 18–26 iunie 2016, prezentarea mea va avea ca subiect legătura dintre Biserica Ortodoxă Română și Consiliul Mondial al Bisericilor (CMB) în perioada comunistă dintre anii 1948–1989. Voi analiza critic anumite momente cheie din istoria acestei legături, care au lăsat anumite amprente în istoria Bisericii Ortodoxe Române și de care nu trebuie să uităm așa curând. În același timp, personalitățile care au marcat această perioadă nu pot fi trecute cu vederea, printre care personalitatea Părintelui Patriarh Justinian Marina rămâne una de amintit.
A Hundred Years of Mission Cooperation. The Impact of the International Missionary Council 1921-2021, 2022
At the invitation of the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) of the World Council ... more At the invitation of the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism
(CWME) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in collaboration with
different associations involved in mission and ecumenical studies, the Regional Center for Central and Eastern Europe convened at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, through its Center for Mission and Nomocanonical Studies (CMNS, in collaboration with the Central and Eastern European Association for Mission Studies (CEEAMS). Its aim was to reflect on how the International Missionary Council (IMC) has influenced mission theology and practice in Central and Eastern Europe, taking into account different contextual realities.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2018
Mission and Pastoral Care Through Discipleship or Catechesis? History, Challenges and Solutions I... more Mission and Pastoral Care Through Discipleship or Catechesis? History, Challenges and Solutions In the Romanian Orthodox theology, the words mission and pastoral care are used very often in a mixed way. Nevertheless, there are some differences between them and we explain why. In the main part of our article, we demonstrate that the biblical verse regarding the great commandment for mission was translated in a wrong way and it gave a different paradigm for mission. In the second part, we speak about catechesis and catechumenate at the beginning of the Church and about the present situation regarding these activities. In the last part, we analyze what happens around the Holy Sacrament of Baptism when we speak about mission or pastoral care. In consequences, this article presents some conclusions which can be applied in the life and activity of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2016
In this critical paper, I will outline some remarks in connection with one of the most well-known... more In this critical paper, I will outline some remarks in connection with one of the most well-known concepts of Orthodox mission developed in the ecumenical framework. More precisely, this concept is summarized by the expression liturgy after the Liturgy. The structure of the present study and its aims are as follow. Because I already nominated the Orthodox theologian Ion Bria, I will shortly present his biography. I think that very often we write/read theology without connecting the author with his ideas. The second part of the paper will be focused on the historicalcontext of the modern ecumenical movement, context in which our theologian developed his ideas and promoted this concept of liturgy after the Liturgy. Secondly, I will explain how this concept came into existence. The most important aim in this section is to establish the author or authors of this concept. It is to be understood that the paternity of the idea is not clear, as such, I will go back to the sources in order to clarify this misunderstanding. The last but not least part of this study will be concerning the principal theological ideas of this typology of mission. In view of the historical elements I will outline some reflections in connection with this concept which can be used for our problems within the Churches. It is my inner belief that if we understand the idea of this expression of the liturgy after the Liturgy our missionary/pastoral activity will have a better application.
Viaţă duhovnicească şi cercetare teologică : lucrările sesiunii de comunicări ştiinţifice a Şcolii Doctorale de Teologie "Sf. Nicodim" din Craiova : (05.10.2017), 2018
The Reception of the Union Synods from Lyon (1274) and Ferrara-Florence (1438-1439) in Mount Atho... more The Reception of the Union Synods from Lyon (1274) and Ferrara-Florence (1438-1439) in Mount Athos. This historical article explores two important events from the life of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. After a brief introduction into the topic, I will give a clear map of what meant the Synod of Lyon from a historical and theological perspective and the consequences in Mount Athos of this union. In the second part, I will present, in a critical way, the palamite movement in connection with the
Synod from Ferrara and Florence and also the reaction of the monks of
Mount Athos. This academic journey will be ended up with a few general
conclusions.
Religions, 2023
Every year, the member Churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) are called to actively par... more Every year, the member Churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) are called to actively participate in the meetings organized in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. From my perspective, these moments are an extraordinary opportunity to share in the richness of the Orthodox tradition, which means an act of confession and authentic witness. In the first part, I will present critically the canonical synthesis of the Orthodox, the concept of “Ecumenical Eucharist” and of Lima Liturgy, followed by the recommendations of the Special Commission for Orthodox participation in the WCC regarding confessional and interconfessional common prayer. Then, this article will make a historical presentation of the week of prayer. It is very important to know how this initiative started and how it was accepted at the beginning and over the years. At least in Romania, where we have an Orthodox majority, this week has become a controversial issue produced by those who are against ecumenical dial...
ACTA MISSIOLOGIAE, 2018
There is an internal connection between ecclesiology, the teaching about the Church that we call ... more There is an internal connection between ecclesiology, the teaching about the Church that we call academic ecclesiology, and mission, which is the inner heart of the Church and becomes visible through different practices. For the Orthodox Church involved in the ecumenical movement, there is a struggle to balance ecclesiology (theology) with ecumenical mission and dialogue (practice) in a divided Christian world. Nevertheless, the recent Synod of Crete (June 2016) addressed some important elements of this struggle. I have in mind, for example, the act to accept the historical name of other non-Orthodox Christian Churches and Confessions that are not in communion with it. Also, this is the first Synod of the Orthodox Churches in modern times at which ecumenical dialogue, especially in the World Council of Churches, is officially affirmed. Because of mission dialogue has to continue, "if we wish never to 'put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ' (1 Cor 9:12). " The present paper highlights those statements of the Holy and Great Council which have direct relevance for discussing the relation of ecclesiology and mission. I assert that we should understand firstly the document Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the of the Christian World and only then reflect upon The Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today's World (MOCT). Furthermore, I will make some references to the other texts which were central for this conference: The Cape Town Commitment (CTC), Together Towards Life (TTL) and Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG). I conclude by exposing briefly my reflections after reading these mission documents and by formulating some agenda points for further work in theology of mission .
Book Reviews by Doru Marcu
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2024
ACTA MISSIOLOGIAE, 2022
Acta Missiologiae is an interdenominational, peer-reviewed, missiological journal dedicated to th... more Acta Missiologiae is an interdenominational, peer-reviewed, missiological journal dedicated to the scholarly study and re ection on Christian witness in Central and Eastern Europe, with an interconfessional, international, and interdisciplinary focus and Orthodox, Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Pentecostal and Evangelical perspectives. Acta Missiologiae exists to provide a platform for engaging missiological issues and mission practice in Central and Eastern Europe and assists missiologists and church leaders to keep up-to-date in their missiological thinking through articles, book reviews, and other materials. us, it can serve as a resource for students and teachers of missiology.
Orthodox Theology in Dialogue, 2022
Acta Missiologiae, 2021
Romanian Orthodoxy is not very well known beyond the country's borders. After the fall of the com... more Romanian Orthodoxy is not very well known beyond the country's borders. After the fall of the communist regime, we can speak of a revival of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The outstanding personality of the post-communist period in Romania is the current patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Father Daniel Ciobotea. This volume is edited by theologian Chad Hatfield, a priest and professor of pastoral theology at St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York. Entitled Rebuilding Orthodoxy in Romania, this book was published in 2021 by one of the most important publishing houses of the Orthodox world, namely St Vladimir's Seminary Press, in New York, USA. The book contains various studies, speeches and interviews of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. The main purpose of this work, according to the editors, is to offer English speakers the opportunity to read about the situation of the Orthodox Church in post-communist Romania. Unfortunately, an introduction and a message from the author are missing, but no doubt this translation project has the blessing and consent of Patriarch Daniel. The volume is divided into five parts, unequally divided. The first part includes four studies and presentations, of which the first two are from His Beatitude's doctoral thesis, entitled Theology and Spirituality: Their Relationship with the Contemporary World, defended at the Orthodox Theological Institute in Bucharest in October 1980. The third study entitled The One Church and the Many Churches; Orthodoxy: Its Identity and Its Witness was originally published in 2008 and is a brief historical and theological presentation of the Orthodox Churches. The last article in this part is dedicated to his mentor, Fr. Prof. Dumitru Stăniloae (1903-1993). In the second part, selected speeches of Patriarch Daniel are translated: on the occasion of the patron saint of the patriarchal cathedral and at the officiating of the canonization of some Romanian saints in the
Acta Missiologiae, 2019
History of mission always has something to tell us and we should listen to it. In this sense, now... more History of mission always has something to tell us and we should listen to it. In this sense, nowadays missiologists must continue their reflection about what mission is and how it should further be done. With this attitude, Tim Noble, an Associate Professor of Missiology at the Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University in Prague, succeeded in presenting an important work on mission in his Mission from the perspective of the other: Drawing together on holy ground, published by Pickwick Publications, 2018. Overall, this work can be considered a landmark in the field of missiology. And in the following lines, I will explain why. Noble's book is structured in two important parts, dedicated to the other and to the missionary. In accordance with the title, the centrality of mission from the perspective of our author should be the other. In general, mission involves three subjects, namely God, the one sent and the one encountered. Without commentary, God is above all and we are called to work within missio Dei. But, consciously or not, the other is somehow neglected in the act of mission, because of the superiority of the missionary and of the missionary's perception regarding what mission means. Through this first part of the book, Tim Noble recovers the role of the other in the missionary encounter. First, he makes an important exegesis of the Old and New Testament stories where the resident alien or the stranger is present. He uses words as ger from Hebrew, proselutos and paroikos from Greek, and advena or peregrinus from Latin, to demonstrate the importance in God's plan for the other. The biblical models of how the encounter with the resident alien happened can teach us to improve our interaction with those for whom we are on mission. Further, after these biblical insights, Noble summarizes how different writers tried to deal with the challenge posed by the other. For example, the encounter with the other is presented in the work of Emmanuel Levinas as an ethical encounter. Also, missiologists like David Bosch or Stephen Bevans, Noble tries to convince us, take into account the other in their reflection on mission. Before introducing us to the second part of the work, Noble examines from a philosophical perspective the givenness of the other, appealing to the reflections of French thinker Jean-Luc Marion. Summarizing, through reflection on Scripture, missiology and philosophy, Tim Noble shows the importance of the other for any Christian mission. In the second part of the book, our author, after he agreed with us that the other is both a challenge and a gift, examines from this perspective three figures of missionaries, with different backgrounds and practices: Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a Roman Catholic; William Carey, a Baptist; and Saint Innocent Veniaminov, a Russian Orthodox. Even though they lived in different periods of time and they came from different Churches and traditions, all of them had something in common, namely, the love for the other who is a child of God, created in God's image and likeness. First, pages are dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus. After some biographical information about the early life of Ignatius, Noble presents the heart of Ignatius's spiritual experience and vision, namely, love together with 97 ACTA MISSIOLOGIAE 7 (2019)
Relația dintre misiune și eclesiologie în viziunea Pr. Prof. Ion Bria, 2022
Scopul propus prin această cercetare este subliniat în mod direct de către titlul lucrării. Teolo... more Scopul propus prin această cercetare este subliniat în mod direct
de către titlul lucrării. Teologia Pr. Prof. Ion Bria conține poziții
eclesiologice și misionare sau misiologice. În acest sens, mi-am propus să
analizez relația sau raportul dintre misiune și eclesiologie, cu scopul de a
înțelege dimensiunea misionară a Bisericii Ortodoxe. Prezenta teză se află
în aria de cercetare a domeniului Teologie, specializarea Misiologie și
Ecumenism. În mod evident, cercetarea va implica și elemente de
eclesiologie, hristologie și pnevmatologie, care aparțin de specializarea
Teologie Dogmatică.
Premisa de cercetare are în vedere poziția oficială a Bisericii Ortodoxe care consideră că misiunea este parte integrantă a eclesiologiei. Din această perspectivă, există o unitate indisolubilă între misiune și eclesiologie, într-atât de mult încât din poziția teologilor dogmatiști separarea pentru analiză a celor două dimensiuni prezintă anumite riscuri.
Din perspectivă misiologică, tema nu este una nouă, însă rămâne de actualitate. Dacă din punct de vedere protestant nu există Biserică fără misiune, din perspectivă ortodoxă nu există misiune fără Biserică. Pornind de la această permisă a teologiei ortodoxe, teza fundamentală pe care o voi demonstra în această lucrare este aceasta că în viziunea Pr. Prof. Ion Bria relația dintre misiune și eclesiologie este definită de conceptul liturghie după Liturghie. În consecință, acesta nu este un concept misionar, ci unul eclesiologic-misionar par excellence, exprimând cât se poate de clar că există o unitate între eclesiologie și misiune. Altfel spus, obiectivul principal al acestei lucrări este să demonstrăm că sintagma liturghie după Liturghie este un concept eclesiologic-misionar, care definește relația dintre misiune și eclesiologie în viziunea Pr. Prof. Ion Bria. Pentru atingerea acestui obiectiv principal, vom avea nevoie de câteva obiective secundare și anume: a) prezentarea activității și itinerariului misionar-ecumenic al Pr. Ion Bria; b) analiza critică a ideilor eclesiologice ale Pr. Ion Bria și a deschiderii sale ecumenice; c) clarificarea paternității sintagmei liturghie după Liturghie; d) definirea teologică a sintagmei liturghie după Liturghie și a legăturii dintre misiune și eclesiologie prin prisma acestui concept; e) receptarea sintagmei liturghie după Liturghie în diferite documente, consultații și în lucrările diferiților teologi.
Pentru îndeplinirea obiectivului principal, dar și a celor secundare, planul lucrării va cuprinde trei capitole și anume: Itinerariul misionar, activitatea ecumenică și opera scrisă ale Pr. Prof. Dr. Ion Bria (capitolul 1); Eclesiologia Pr. Prof. Dr. Ion Bria și valoarea ei ecumenică (capitolul 2) și Concepția eclesiologic-misionară a Pr. Prof. Dr. Ion Bria: liturghie după Liturghie (capitolul 3). În mod evident, fiecare capitol va avea subcapitolele aferente, în funcție de specificul temelor abordate.
A Critical Analysis of the Theological Positions and Ecumenical Activity of Ion Bria (1929-2002), 2022
The Orthodox Churches are part of the ecumenical movement with the inner wish to clarify the theo... more The Orthodox Churches are part of the ecumenical movement with the inner wish to clarify the theological elements which keep the whole Christianity divided. For this goal, every Church is represented somehow in discussions by her theologians who are training to carry a theological dispute at this level. The Romanian Orthodox Church was indirectly represented in the World Council of Church by professor Ion Bria (1929-2002), who had worked officially at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva for more than 20 years.
This theological research has the aim to speak to us about Bria’s personality and ecumenical activity. In order to accomplish this goal, I will expand my research in three chapters. In the first one, I will present his biographical life. Until this moment he remains the most important Romanian theologian involved in the ecumenical dialogue. The second chapter deals with the history of the modern ecumenical movement and also with Bria’s perspective on the dialogue between Orthodoxy and ecumenism, which are for him two correlative elements. Bria comes to confront the anti-ecumenical part within the Orthodox Church who does not accept the Christian dialogue being afraid of heresy. Bria explain how through dialogue, the line between Orthodoxy and the other Christians can be overrun. In the third chapter I explain the missionary concept ‘liturgyafter the Liturgy’, both historically and theologically. Being aware that there are some uncertainties around this concept I decided to clarify it in a proper way. Bria is known as the promoter of this concept, so I will search to find out who is the originator of this expression as such. In the same chapter I will analyze the ecclesiological elements from Bria’s writings. The ecumenical dialogue is interpreted of being an ecclesiological problem par excellence so I will outline Bria’s position regarding the teaching of the Church. In conclusion I will present in a synthetic way the results of this study.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2024
Potrivit actului de proclamare al „Anului omagial al pastoraţiei şi îngrijirii bolnavilor” și al ... more Potrivit actului de proclamare al „Anului omagial al pastoraţiei şi îngrijirii bolnavilor” și al „Anului comemorativ al tuturor Sfinţilor tămăduitori fără de arginţi”, pentru anul 2024, în Patriarhia Română, Biserica Ortodoxă poartă de grijă și se simte responsabilă de viața și sănătatea omului „ca daruri ale lui Dumnezeu”. În acest sens, lucrarea pastorală a Bisericii și slujitorilor ei pentru îngrijirea bolnavilor se manifestă în diferite forme. De aceea, din perspectivă ortodoxă, împărtășirea și pomenirea în cadrul Sfintei Liturghii este recomandată și de folos tuturor celor care fac parte din Biserică, inclusiv a persoanelor care suferă de diverse boli trupești.
RELIGIONS, 2024
In this study, I will expose the perspective of the ecumenical dialogue in the theology of Fr. Io... more In this study, I will expose the perspective of the ecumenical dialogue in the theology of Fr. Ion Bria, one of the well-known Romanians involved in the ecumenical movement. In the first part, after a short introduction, I will present the most important biographical milestones of the Romanian theologian, as well as some details about his activity in the World Council of Churches. Then, in the second part, I will critically present the most important aspects of Bria’s ecumenical theology, as well as the reception of these ideas in contemporary Orthodox theology, in discussion with common witness and eucharistic communion within ecumenical dialogue. In the last part, I will present the critical remarks on ecumenism in Bria’s theology. Through this analysis, I will emphasize important directions that the ecumenical dialogue can exploit today to overcome some historical, cultural or theological preconceptions and misunderstandings.
RELIGIONS, 2023
In this study, I will analyse the position of the Orthodox Church(es) towards the ecumenical dial... more In this study, I will analyse the position of the Orthodox Church(es) towards the ecumenical dialogue in accordance with the documents approved by the Synod of Crete (2016), but also with the social document For the Life of the World of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (2020). After a brief presentation of the important moments of the historical journey for the meeting of the Synod, I will present the most important internal and reception issues of it. In the following, I will present the reason for the publication of the social document and the relation with the Synod of Crete. In the last part of the study, I will deal critically with a theological synthesis on the following topics: ecclesiological self-identity, Trinitarian baptism, the quality of being a Christian, the Orthodox Church and the Churches, ecumenism for dialogue, for witnessing, and cooperation. Of course, in the end, I will present the most important conclusions.
The Future of Mission Cooperation. The Living Legacy of the International Missionary Council, 2022
We will explore ecumenical collaboration for the sake of mission in the 21st century in this regi... more We will explore ecumenical collaboration for the sake of mission in the 21st century in this region. In this sense, we will consider ecumenical relations, theological education, migration and diaspora, and present challenges, and will try to identify the vision of the future. We will do this by focusing on four countries from the region as critical studies: the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Serbia.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2017
For this study, we will present the most important ecumenical activities of Patriarch Justinian M... more For this study, we will present the most important ecumenical activities of Patriarch Justinian Marina. He was the third Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church between 1948 and 1977. During this period, he was very concerned to establish a relationship with the main ecumenical institutions. We will speak about his dialogue with one of the most important ecumenical group, namely the World Council of Churches, founded in 1948 in Geneva,
Switzerland. Of course, the dialogue with the Church of England must to be
mentioned. His ecumenical activity was very important for the Orthodox
Church, Patriarch Justinian being one of the most important Church leaders
who tried and succeeded to be in contact with different religious leaders
from Romania and abroad. We do not have to forget that during his time the
communist regime ruled our country. In the first part, we will give different
historical information about his ecumenical activity and in the second part
we will explore his theological thinking about the ecumenical dialogue and
movement.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2017
The ecumenical dialogue involves many ideas and attitudes. Within these theological discussions, ... more The ecumenical dialogue involves many ideas and attitudes. Within these
theological discussions, Saint Cyprian of Carthage occupies his place. Most important, his vision about the Church has marked the entire Christianity. Because of this reason and for many others, this study attempts to explore his theological ideas regarding the limits of the Church, the validity of the Baptism outside the Church defined by her canonical limits. In order to accomplish this, we will have three important sections, as follows: 1. a short biographical life; 2. the ecclesiological ideas of St Cyprian expressed in two important disputes of his time, namely the problem of the fallen and the Baptism professed outside the Church; 3. the limits of the Church in the thought of St Cyprian and the theological critics which we can share about this subject. Of course, our study will have some important conclusions.
Mărturisirea credinței prin cuvânt și artă în Biserica Ortodoxă Română în perioada comunismului, 2017
Sinodul Bisericii Ortodoxe Române a declarat anul 2017 ca Anul Omagial al sfintelor icoane, al ic... more Sinodul Bisericii Ortodoxe Române a declarat anul 2017 ca Anul Omagial al sfintelor icoane, al iconarilor și pictorilor bisericești, dar și Anul comemorativ Justinian Patriarhul și al apărătorilor Ortodoxiei în timpul comunismului în Patriarhia Română.
Având în vedere tema propusă de organizatorii acestei dezbateri1, dar și anumite reacții negative după Sfântul și Marele Sinod al Bisericii Ortodoxe, desfășurat în Creta între 18–26 iunie 2016, prezentarea mea va avea ca subiect legătura dintre Biserica Ortodoxă Română și Consiliul Mondial al Bisericilor (CMB) în perioada comunistă dintre anii 1948–1989. Voi analiza critic anumite momente cheie din istoria acestei legături, care au lăsat anumite amprente în istoria Bisericii Ortodoxe Române și de care nu trebuie să uităm așa curând. În același timp, personalitățile care au marcat această perioadă nu pot fi trecute cu vederea, printre care personalitatea Părintelui Patriarh Justinian Marina rămâne una de amintit.
A Hundred Years of Mission Cooperation. The Impact of the International Missionary Council 1921-2021, 2022
At the invitation of the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism (CWME) of the World Council ... more At the invitation of the Commission for World Mission and Evangelism
(CWME) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in collaboration with
different associations involved in mission and ecumenical studies, the Regional Center for Central and Eastern Europe convened at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, through its Center for Mission and Nomocanonical Studies (CMNS, in collaboration with the Central and Eastern European Association for Mission Studies (CEEAMS). Its aim was to reflect on how the International Missionary Council (IMC) has influenced mission theology and practice in Central and Eastern Europe, taking into account different contextual realities.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2018
Mission and Pastoral Care Through Discipleship or Catechesis? History, Challenges and Solutions I... more Mission and Pastoral Care Through Discipleship or Catechesis? History, Challenges and Solutions In the Romanian Orthodox theology, the words mission and pastoral care are used very often in a mixed way. Nevertheless, there are some differences between them and we explain why. In the main part of our article, we demonstrate that the biblical verse regarding the great commandment for mission was translated in a wrong way and it gave a different paradigm for mission. In the second part, we speak about catechesis and catechumenate at the beginning of the Church and about the present situation regarding these activities. In the last part, we analyze what happens around the Holy Sacrament of Baptism when we speak about mission or pastoral care. In consequences, this article presents some conclusions which can be applied in the life and activity of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2016
In this critical paper, I will outline some remarks in connection with one of the most well-known... more In this critical paper, I will outline some remarks in connection with one of the most well-known concepts of Orthodox mission developed in the ecumenical framework. More precisely, this concept is summarized by the expression liturgy after the Liturgy. The structure of the present study and its aims are as follow. Because I already nominated the Orthodox theologian Ion Bria, I will shortly present his biography. I think that very often we write/read theology without connecting the author with his ideas. The second part of the paper will be focused on the historicalcontext of the modern ecumenical movement, context in which our theologian developed his ideas and promoted this concept of liturgy after the Liturgy. Secondly, I will explain how this concept came into existence. The most important aim in this section is to establish the author or authors of this concept. It is to be understood that the paternity of the idea is not clear, as such, I will go back to the sources in order to clarify this misunderstanding. The last but not least part of this study will be concerning the principal theological ideas of this typology of mission. In view of the historical elements I will outline some reflections in connection with this concept which can be used for our problems within the Churches. It is my inner belief that if we understand the idea of this expression of the liturgy after the Liturgy our missionary/pastoral activity will have a better application.
Viaţă duhovnicească şi cercetare teologică : lucrările sesiunii de comunicări ştiinţifice a Şcolii Doctorale de Teologie "Sf. Nicodim" din Craiova : (05.10.2017), 2018
The Reception of the Union Synods from Lyon (1274) and Ferrara-Florence (1438-1439) in Mount Atho... more The Reception of the Union Synods from Lyon (1274) and Ferrara-Florence (1438-1439) in Mount Athos. This historical article explores two important events from the life of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. After a brief introduction into the topic, I will give a clear map of what meant the Synod of Lyon from a historical and theological perspective and the consequences in Mount Athos of this union. In the second part, I will present, in a critical way, the palamite movement in connection with the
Synod from Ferrara and Florence and also the reaction of the monks of
Mount Athos. This academic journey will be ended up with a few general
conclusions.
Religions, 2023
Every year, the member Churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) are called to actively par... more Every year, the member Churches of the World Council of Churches (WCC) are called to actively participate in the meetings organized in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. From my perspective, these moments are an extraordinary opportunity to share in the richness of the Orthodox tradition, which means an act of confession and authentic witness. In the first part, I will present critically the canonical synthesis of the Orthodox, the concept of “Ecumenical Eucharist” and of Lima Liturgy, followed by the recommendations of the Special Commission for Orthodox participation in the WCC regarding confessional and interconfessional common prayer. Then, this article will make a historical presentation of the week of prayer. It is very important to know how this initiative started and how it was accepted at the beginning and over the years. At least in Romania, where we have an Orthodox majority, this week has become a controversial issue produced by those who are against ecumenical dial...
ACTA MISSIOLOGIAE, 2018
There is an internal connection between ecclesiology, the teaching about the Church that we call ... more There is an internal connection between ecclesiology, the teaching about the Church that we call academic ecclesiology, and mission, which is the inner heart of the Church and becomes visible through different practices. For the Orthodox Church involved in the ecumenical movement, there is a struggle to balance ecclesiology (theology) with ecumenical mission and dialogue (practice) in a divided Christian world. Nevertheless, the recent Synod of Crete (June 2016) addressed some important elements of this struggle. I have in mind, for example, the act to accept the historical name of other non-Orthodox Christian Churches and Confessions that are not in communion with it. Also, this is the first Synod of the Orthodox Churches in modern times at which ecumenical dialogue, especially in the World Council of Churches, is officially affirmed. Because of mission dialogue has to continue, "if we wish never to 'put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ' (1 Cor 9:12). " The present paper highlights those statements of the Holy and Great Council which have direct relevance for discussing the relation of ecclesiology and mission. I assert that we should understand firstly the document Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the of the Christian World and only then reflect upon The Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today's World (MOCT). Furthermore, I will make some references to the other texts which were central for this conference: The Cape Town Commitment (CTC), Together Towards Life (TTL) and Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG). I conclude by exposing briefly my reflections after reading these mission documents and by formulating some agenda points for further work in theology of mission .
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2024
ACTA MISSIOLOGIAE, 2022
Acta Missiologiae is an interdenominational, peer-reviewed, missiological journal dedicated to th... more Acta Missiologiae is an interdenominational, peer-reviewed, missiological journal dedicated to the scholarly study and re ection on Christian witness in Central and Eastern Europe, with an interconfessional, international, and interdisciplinary focus and Orthodox, Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, Pentecostal and Evangelical perspectives. Acta Missiologiae exists to provide a platform for engaging missiological issues and mission practice in Central and Eastern Europe and assists missiologists and church leaders to keep up-to-date in their missiological thinking through articles, book reviews, and other materials. us, it can serve as a resource for students and teachers of missiology.
Orthodox Theology in Dialogue, 2022
Acta Missiologiae, 2021
Romanian Orthodoxy is not very well known beyond the country's borders. After the fall of the com... more Romanian Orthodoxy is not very well known beyond the country's borders. After the fall of the communist regime, we can speak of a revival of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The outstanding personality of the post-communist period in Romania is the current patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Father Daniel Ciobotea. This volume is edited by theologian Chad Hatfield, a priest and professor of pastoral theology at St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York. Entitled Rebuilding Orthodoxy in Romania, this book was published in 2021 by one of the most important publishing houses of the Orthodox world, namely St Vladimir's Seminary Press, in New York, USA. The book contains various studies, speeches and interviews of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. The main purpose of this work, according to the editors, is to offer English speakers the opportunity to read about the situation of the Orthodox Church in post-communist Romania. Unfortunately, an introduction and a message from the author are missing, but no doubt this translation project has the blessing and consent of Patriarch Daniel. The volume is divided into five parts, unequally divided. The first part includes four studies and presentations, of which the first two are from His Beatitude's doctoral thesis, entitled Theology and Spirituality: Their Relationship with the Contemporary World, defended at the Orthodox Theological Institute in Bucharest in October 1980. The third study entitled The One Church and the Many Churches; Orthodoxy: Its Identity and Its Witness was originally published in 2008 and is a brief historical and theological presentation of the Orthodox Churches. The last article in this part is dedicated to his mentor, Fr. Prof. Dumitru Stăniloae (1903-1993). In the second part, selected speeches of Patriarch Daniel are translated: on the occasion of the patron saint of the patriarchal cathedral and at the officiating of the canonization of some Romanian saints in the
Acta Missiologiae, 2019
History of mission always has something to tell us and we should listen to it. In this sense, now... more History of mission always has something to tell us and we should listen to it. In this sense, nowadays missiologists must continue their reflection about what mission is and how it should further be done. With this attitude, Tim Noble, an Associate Professor of Missiology at the Protestant Theological Faculty of Charles University in Prague, succeeded in presenting an important work on mission in his Mission from the perspective of the other: Drawing together on holy ground, published by Pickwick Publications, 2018. Overall, this work can be considered a landmark in the field of missiology. And in the following lines, I will explain why. Noble's book is structured in two important parts, dedicated to the other and to the missionary. In accordance with the title, the centrality of mission from the perspective of our author should be the other. In general, mission involves three subjects, namely God, the one sent and the one encountered. Without commentary, God is above all and we are called to work within missio Dei. But, consciously or not, the other is somehow neglected in the act of mission, because of the superiority of the missionary and of the missionary's perception regarding what mission means. Through this first part of the book, Tim Noble recovers the role of the other in the missionary encounter. First, he makes an important exegesis of the Old and New Testament stories where the resident alien or the stranger is present. He uses words as ger from Hebrew, proselutos and paroikos from Greek, and advena or peregrinus from Latin, to demonstrate the importance in God's plan for the other. The biblical models of how the encounter with the resident alien happened can teach us to improve our interaction with those for whom we are on mission. Further, after these biblical insights, Noble summarizes how different writers tried to deal with the challenge posed by the other. For example, the encounter with the other is presented in the work of Emmanuel Levinas as an ethical encounter. Also, missiologists like David Bosch or Stephen Bevans, Noble tries to convince us, take into account the other in their reflection on mission. Before introducing us to the second part of the work, Noble examines from a philosophical perspective the givenness of the other, appealing to the reflections of French thinker Jean-Luc Marion. Summarizing, through reflection on Scripture, missiology and philosophy, Tim Noble shows the importance of the other for any Christian mission. In the second part of the book, our author, after he agreed with us that the other is both a challenge and a gift, examines from this perspective three figures of missionaries, with different backgrounds and practices: Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a Roman Catholic; William Carey, a Baptist; and Saint Innocent Veniaminov, a Russian Orthodox. Even though they lived in different periods of time and they came from different Churches and traditions, all of them had something in common, namely, the love for the other who is a child of God, created in God's image and likeness. First, pages are dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), the founder of the Society of Jesus. After some biographical information about the early life of Ignatius, Noble presents the heart of Ignatius's spiritual experience and vision, namely, love together with 97 ACTA MISSIOLOGIAE 7 (2019)
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2019
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2016
Mitropolia Olteniei, 2016