mental health and spirituality

Religious practice brings meaning and aids mental healing, says Romanian psychologist

Andreea Horoiță, a clinical psychologist who also teaches at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, told the hosts of the Hristocentric platform in an interview that religious practice can bring meaning where it is difficult to find and can effectively transform behaviours, thoughts and emotions. The specialist stressed the…

Mar 12, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox priests in psychiatry hospitals hold first national conference

The first national conference of charity priests serving in psychiatric hospitals is taking place this week at the Voila Psychiatric Hospital in Câmpina. Participants highlighted the importance of cooperation between medical professionals and Church ministers in the healing of patients “in body, mind and soul.” The event opened Tuesday with the Divine Liturgy in the…

Feb 18, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

UK Romanian priest calls for dialogue between theology and psychology in addressing mental health

“A spiritual father needs to distinguish between a mental disorder and a spiritual disturbance,” Father Justin Mihoc said in an interview for the Hristocentric project, underlining the need for dialogue between theology and psychology in contemporary society. Father Justin Mihoc is the parish priest of the Romanian community in Durham, in northern England. He is…

Jan 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Patriarch Daniel highlights joint role of spiritual fathers and psychiatrists in mental wellbeing

Patriarch Daniel of Romania emphasised the vital need for cooperation between spiritual fathers and mental health specialists in addressing the psychological challenges of modern life. In a message titled “Science and Spirituality in the Service of Mental Health,” occasioned by a national conference on pastoral and psychological care, the Patriarch of Romania called for a…

Oct 8, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu