mental health

Church leaders, EU officials discuss Artificial Intelligence’s impact on human dignity at Brussels seminars

Two seminars held in Brussels on June 8-9 brought together representatives of Churches, European institutions and academia to examine the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity. The first seminar, hosted by the European Commission, focused on the theme “The Ethical and Social Impact of Artificial Intelligence.” Participants analysed the opportunities and risks associated with AI-based…

Jun 18, 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

Romanian addiction specialist urges people to seek help, says recovery requires support

Father Liviu Burlacu, a specialist in addiction recovery, recently gave an interview to Euro TV, urging those struggling with addiction to ask for help. Alcohol, drug or gambling addiction can be overcome when the affected person has the courage to seek and accept support, he said. “It is an act of dignity and humility to…

Jan 29, 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

Orthodox theologian warns of ‘monarchy of the screen’ and dangers of digital addiction in youth lecture

Last week, Rev. Professor Emanoil Băbuș delivered a lecture titled “Are You Real or Virtual?” in Brașov. According to Lumina Newspaper, he spoke to young people about the dangers of the digital environment, which can lead to screen addiction and, over time, the loss of Christian values. “We spend energy for one purpose: the ecstasy…

Mar 24, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Clergy Conference of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas explores psycho-spiritual health and pastoral care

The Clergy Conference of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas was held at the Romanian Orthodox Parish in Mississauga, Ontario, from August 22 to August 24, 2024. The event convened monastics, priests, and deacons from various parts of the city to engage in a conversation about pastoral themes and psycho-spiritual health. Bishop Ioan Casian…

Aug 27, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan of Banat donates winter clothing to patients in psychiatric facilities

Approximately 1,000 winter clothing items were offered by Metropolitan Ioan of Banat for patients with psychiatric disorders at the Psychiatric and Safety Measures Hospital in Jebel and the Psychiatric Hospital in Gătaia. According to the website of the Metropolis, His Eminence visited the patients last week. On Nov. 13, Metropolitan Ioan also visited the Pentru…

Nov 19, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu