Romanian Orthodox Church, first reaction to refugee crisis

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Thousands of refugees from the Middle East and Northern Africa reach Europe every day. Reactions are quite diverse, not only from the European leaders, but also from the citizens of EU member states and they range from compassion and hospitality to concern, fear and hatred. The debate has also expanded in Romania, although our country is not exactly a top destination for the refugees. The financial effort for supporting the refugees and a so-called danger of Islamisation of Europe are the main fears in Romania.

 

Stiripesurse.ro have asked the main Churches in Romania to state their positions. Religious leaders have been surveyed on the attitude of the Churches to the refugees and how they advised believers to deal with possible dangers coming from the current refugee crisis.

 

The Romanian Orthodox Church is of the opinion that Romanian believers should act with love for their peers, according to the Christian belief and that Europe is not facing an Islamist threat.

‘It is easily understood that, when one of our peers is in difficulty, he/she should be helped and supported. I remind you that last year, the

 

Romanian Patriarchy organised a fund rise in all Romanian churches and monasteries in the country and abroad and donated EUR 500,000 to the Patriarchy of Antiochia and the Whole East to help the victims of the bloody conflict in Syria. Naturally, anyone who needs help has to be helped’, said Father Constantin Stoica, spokesman for the Romanian Patriarchy.

 

 

In the view of BOR officials, before speaking of a possible Islamisation, one needs to consider that an important share of those refugees are actually Christians. We have not the necessary elements to pass a judgement on such danger, the Patriarchy spokesman further says. ‘We have not picked up on a fear of an Islamisation threat. For the rest, it’s an issue Europe is facing and, normally, solutions will have to be identified’, Father Stoica added.

 

The Patriarchy also envisages support for Romanian authorities should Romania need to host refugees. In fact, Bucharest already has a community of Arab Christians that BOR aids.

‘We have seen that the Romanian authorities are already making preparations. The authorities need to be supported in their effort of aiding these people of ours who are genuinely in a dramatic situation. What we have said pertains to our belief. Belief manifests itself through action. There is a connection between belief and love of one’s peers’, Father Constantin Stoica (photo) also said.