• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Monday, May 12, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Orthodox Times (en)
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
Orthodox Times (en)
No Result
View All Result

Father Dumitru Cobzaru offers interview about the current state of monasticism

Nov 17, 2023 | 18:29
in Patriarchate of Romania
Father Dumitru Cobzaru offers interview about the current state of monasticism

Radio Renașterea conducted an in-depth interview with the Very Reverend Archimandrite Dumitru Cobzaru, exarch of the monasteries of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac, and Cluj, regarding the present condition of monasticism in Romania.

The Archimandrite emphasized that contemporary monasticism maintains its authenticity by updating itself while adhering to the principles established by the Holy Fathers and the founders of monastic life.

Showing that the monks somewhat adapt to comfort, especially for pilgrims, the exarch concluded that “we have to adapt to everything that today’s society offers us, both good and bad, so that we remain in balance.”

Monks on social media

Father Dumitru Cobzaru was asked if the monastic life is compatible with the presence and activity on social media:

“Up to a point, I think yes, because monastic life involves communion, communication, but within certain limits, of course,” the exarch said, offering as a model the presence of Putna Monastery in the virtual space.

Archimandrite Dumitru Cobzaru elaborated that it is crucial to differentiate between individuals entrusted with this ministry by the abbot and subsequently engage in the routine operations of a monastery and those who utilize the Internet for personal interest.

“It is unnecessary for a monk to use the Internet, except when he absolutely needs to. For example, if he is studying, with the abbot’s blessing, he must definitely use the Internet. We can no longer reach all the libraries in the world, but we can reach through the Internet to read books and use them as a bibliography.”

“But in general, a simple monk, an ordinary monk, should not have straightforward access to the virtual space, but only those who have this obedience from the abbot, and then it is considered the work that the monk has to do.”

“My recommendation is to avoid it as much as possible and, if possible, not to use it.”

Archim. Dumitru Cobzaru emphasized: “The monk should draw the world to the monastery, not the world should draw the monk to it.”

Importance of the novitiate

In his interview, the monasteries’ exarch for Cluj openly addressed the crisis of recent years regarding the monastic staff: “Monasteries and hermitages in our country have multiplied, and it was felt, also at the level of the Holy Synod, that monasteries and hermitages are being established or re-established, but the monastic staff is decreasing.”

Father Cobzaru emphasized in this context that no concessions ought to be made about the exhaustive verification of whether or not young people are legitimately interested in being accepted into the monastic order. Moreover, he recalled that the statute of our Church designates the novitiate period as a duration of three years.

“In three years, it is verified, through abbots, priests, and others, because many times, the monastic life brings you into borderline situations, and you show yourself as you are. It is not easy.”

During the interview, Father Cobzaru emphasized several times the need for balance. Finally, being asked what is a monk’s most significant obstacle in the fight against temptations, he said:

“Himself. He is the greatest hindrance. For the devil can be overcome, God can be convinced, except that you must bring yourself into such balance as to reason, will, and feeling.”

Photography courtesy of the Metropolis of Cluj / Darius Echim
Source: basilica.ro

Tags: Patriarchate of Romania

Follow OrthodoxTimes.com on Google News and learn all the news about Orthodoxy in Greece and worldwide.

All the latest developments in the Orthodox world, society and humankind, at the moment they happen, at OrthodoxTimes.com


Related Posts

Patriarch of Romania met Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bucharest
Patriarchate of Romania

Patriarch of Romania met Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bucharest

May 10, 2025
Patriarch of Romania on Pope Leo XIV: A united Christian voice is more needed than ever
Patriarchate of Romania

Patriarch of Romania on Pope Leo XIV: A united Christian voice is more needed than ever

May 9, 2025
Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church recognizes 16 newly canonized Romanian saints
Church of Czech and Slovakia

Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church recognizes 16 newly canonized Romanian saints

May 3, 2025
Relics of Saint Empress Helena arrived at Pantocrator Monastery
Patriarchate of Romania

Relics of Saint Empress Helena arrived at Pantocrator Monastery

May 2, 2025
Patriarch of Romania: Young people are the active and creative present of the Church
Patriarchate of Romania

Patriarch of Romania: Young people are the active and creative present of the Church

May 2, 2025
Patriarch of Romania urged women to become “disciples of the Lord” on Myrrhbearers’ Sunday
Patriarchate of Romania

Patriarch of Romania urged women to become “disciples of the Lord” on Myrrhbearers’ Sunday

May 1, 2025
Load More
Next Post
Message against gun possession by the Archbishop of America

Archbishop of America: Gratitude is an acknowledgment of God’s ultimate will in our lives

Latest News

Memory of Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (12 May)

Memory of Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (12 May)

by NewsRoom
May 12, 2025 | 10:17
0

Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus, “a last relic of ancient piety,” as Saint Jerome calls him, lived during the...

Patriarch of Jerusalem: Lord wished to manifest His infinite compassion through healing of Paralytic

Patriarch of Jerusalem: Lord wished to manifest His infinite compassion through healing of Paralytic

by NewsRoom
May 12, 2025 | 10:15
0

On Sunday, 11th of May 2025, the Sunday of the Paralytic, according to the book of the Pentecostarion, Patriarch...

Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv celebrates Divine Liturgy on his name day (LIVE)

Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv celebrates Divine Liturgy on his name day (LIVE)

by NewsRoom
May 12, 2025 | 09:29
0

Today, the Orthodox Church honors Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus, remembered in Church history as an unwavering defender against false...

Washington: Archdiocesan Council prioritizes Hellenic College Holy Cross, new Ministry models

Washington: Archdiocesan Council prioritizes Hellenic College Holy Cross, new Ministry models

by NewsRoom
May 11, 2025 | 17:00
0

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Archdiocesan Council convened in Washington, DC at the historic Cathedral of St. Sophia...

Feast of Saint George the Great Martyr celebrated in the Metropolis of Acre–Ptolemais (PHOTOS)

Feast of Saint George the Great Martyr celebrated in the Metropolis of Acre–Ptolemais (PHOTOS)

by NewsRoom
May 11, 2025 | 15:29
0

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the feast of Saint George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer was celebrated by transference...

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas met Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas met Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

by NewsRoom
May 11, 2025 | 14:36
0

President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas attended the anniversary celebration marking 150 years since the construction of the...

Newsletter

Sign up for our weekly newsletter



Quick Links

  • Orthodoxy
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • History
  • Press Releases

Get Social

About Us

Advertise

Contact

Terms Of Use

© 2025 OrthodoxTimes.com
digital world media

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Greek Version

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT