addictions

Romanian charity priest says family dysfunction and isolation fuel addictions

Fr Alin Nica, coordinator of the hospital and charity clergy within the Archdiocese of Bucharest, said on Sunday in an interview with Radio România Cultural that many addictions emerge when dysfunctions exist within the family. The priest explained that interpersonal relationships are increasingly affected by today’s culture, which emphasises immediate, effortless satisfaction. “Many addictions appear…

May 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Bishop warns drugs lure youth with ‘quick highs’ but lead to depression

His Grace Bishop Sofronie of Oradea warned in an interview with Agerpres that drugs pose a major danger to young people because they promise “quick highs” but deliver “inner collapse and depression” in return. According to the bishop, narcotic substances are a substitute for authentic good, sought by people to replace the love and meaning…

Jan 21, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ignatie calls for a “media fast” as part of Lenten discipline: Internet addiction steals our peace

On Sunday, His Grace Bishop Ignatie of Huși officiated the Forgiveness Vespers at the diocesan Cathedral in Huși, once again urging the faithful to observe a media fast during Lent. “Fasting is more than just abstaining from food—it is a healing process from our pathological dependencies, particularly our addiction to digital media,” said the bishop.…

Mar 4, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Floyd Frantz, addiction treatment specialist, says Romanian Orthodox culture helps addiction recovery

American addiction treatment specialist Floyd Frantz came to Romania as a missionary with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) from the USA. He then co-founded the National Anti-Drug Program of the Romanian Orthodox Church. In November 2000, he initiated in Cluj-Napoca the St. Dimitrie addiction treatment program within the Christian Medical Philanthropic Association “Christiana”, realized…

Nov 14, 2024Ștefana Totorcea

The role of the spiritual father in healing addictions: Insights from Jean-Claude Larchet

The renowned French Orthodox theologian Jean-Claude Larchet discussed the importance of the spiritual father in the healing process of addictions in an interview published in the 17th issue of the “Words to Young People” magazine by Putna Monastery. The importance of relationships in healing addictions When asked, “How important is the relationship with a person…

Aug 7, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Liturgy of the neighbour: Addiction therapy centre inaugurated at Monastery

The Life-Giving Spring Centre for addiction therapy was inaugurated at the Holy Annunciation Monastery in Tisa-Silvestri in northeast Romania on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The centre, intended for treatment of both alcohol and drug addictions, operates at the monastery as part of the Siloam Socio-Medical Association. The complex was blessed by His Eminence Archbishop Ioachim…

Apr 18, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu