Protocol of Collaboration between the Romanian Patriarchate and Two Ministries

On 24 April 2012, a Protocol of collaboration between the Ministry for Education, Research, Youth and Sport, the Romanian Patriarchate and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration was signed at the Patriarchate Palace, in Saint John Cassian room, for using the schools closed through merging for the pupils’ benefit.

The meeting began around 19.00 hours, the protocol signed by His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church representing the Romanian Patriarchate, by Minister Catalin Ovidiu Baba representing the Ministry for Education Research Youth and Sport, and by Minister Gabriel Berca representing the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.

His Grace Varlaam Ploiesteanul, Assistant Bishop to the Patriarch was also present at the event.

Rev. Counsellor Constantin Patuleanu from the Theological Educational Department explained that the agreement will facilitate a more active participation of the priests both in the educational and social activities and in the conservation of the schools decommissioned for better times.

In order to apply the protocol the Ministry of the Interior commits itself to facilitate the dialogue of the Patriarchate with local public administrations.

Minister Gabriel Berca also declares that the city halls will be helped to implement the educational activity of the religious units.

The Ministry for Education will also support the activity developed in the respective places and even try to motivate the teaching staff who will volunteer to work for the children.

The schools that can still be used will be identified in the near future, says Minister Catalin Ovidiu Baba.

The Protocol was concluded for three years time will possible extension.

The general purpose of the protocol concluded today consists in the formation of the young people in the spirit of the Christian values promoting the national and universal culture and stimulating the intercultural and inter-confessional dialogue.

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