Category Archives: Book launch

With the blessing of His Eminence Dr. Irineu, Archbishop of Craiova and Metropolitan of Oltenia, on the evening of July 9, 2020, took place the launch of the book of Dr. Gabriel Sorescu, entitled „Orthodox Church and religious movements” and published by the Publishing House „Mitropolia Olteniei”. The event took place in the generous courtyard of the County Library „Alexandru and Aristia Aman”, Craiova, and was moderated by Fr. Senior Lecturer PhD Ioniță Apostolache.

In the opening, Fr. Apostolache reminded that the volume launched by Fr. Gabriel Sorescu represents the research work within the Doctoral School „St. Nicodim” of the University of Craiova, completed as a doctoral student in the period 2015-2019. He also pointed out that this extensive study is part of the Romanian missionary research in recent years, so necessary for the mission of the Orthodox Church.

The delegate of His Eminence Irineu was Fr. Grigorie Vulcănescu, as cultural counselor of the Archdiocese of Craiova. His Holiness sent the message of congratulation and blessing for the realization of this event, but also for the work submitted by the author. Later, Fr. Vulcănescu invoked the quality of missionary priest of Fr. Sorescu, who succeeded through his research to translate into words and in writing what he has been practicing for many years in the Parish of St. Nicholas-Brândușa in Craiova.

Father Gabriel Sorescu, as the author of the launched volume, wanted to thank God for the power to complete this research, but also to all those who supported him, remembering the family of his holiness, the coordinator of the work, Archdeacon Senior Lecturer PhD Gelu Călina, and Metropolitan Irineu, who guided him to study Missiology at doctoral level. Last but not least, he thanked Mr. Lucian Dindirică, the director of the Library, but also those who participated in this book launch.

The event ended with the answers from Fr. Sorescu to some questions from the public. In the end, those who wished had the opportunity to take possession of the volume with an autograph from the author.

Father Gabriel Sorescu holds a PhD in Theology (2019) and is a graduate of the Faculty of Theology, University of Craiova (1999). He is the author of the book „Apologetics of Love” (1999), co-author of „The Mission of the Church among Youth” (2007), and author of over 50 studies and articles published in journals, volumes of scientific conferences and periodicals. Since 2003, he has been a parish priest at the „St. Nicholas-Brândușa” parish in Craiova. Permanently concerned with the missionary aspects of the clerical ministry, Father Gabriel Sorescu has been involved for over 18 years in youth pastoral activities, currently being a counselor of the Sector of Education, Youth and Catechesis Activities of the Archdiocese of Craiova.

‘One of the most important concern within the life and activity of the Church was to witness or to defend its truths of faith during the centuries, of the moral values and of cult, of the perennial traditions and realities of Christian life and teaching. With the Savior Christ Himself as defender and apologist, the Church promises to the world the greatest treasure of gifts: the eternal life and the Kingdom of Heaven. About these things and about many others confess the work of father PhD Lecturer Ioniță Apostolache, which is addressed not just for the students but to anyone who wish to know and to partake of the fullness of life in Christ.’ Fr. PhD Professor Adrian Boldișor

‘The last book published by the Publishing House Mitropolia Olteniei is signed by the British researcher Sebastian Brock. The work, with the title ‘The Syriac Fathers and Writers of Yesterday and Today’ was translated into Romanian by Archdeacon Ioniţă Apostolache and by Professor Hermina Maria Apostolache, bringing for the first time into the attention of readers in Romania ‘a brief synthesis of the Syriac literature’ of the great author from Oxford.

‘The Syriac Fathers and Writers of Yesterday and Today’ represents a beautiful gift which the Faculty of Theology from Craiova brought for Professor Sebastian Brock, in the context of his visit in our city, between 7^th and 10^th October 2016. Professor Sebastian received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Craiova even of the day of Saints Sergius and Vah on 7^th October. This moment was a suitable one, having in mind the well-known reputation of the English professor. In this way, with the blessing of His Eminence Irineu, Archbishop of Craiova and Metropolitan of Oltenia, a young professor of the Faculty of Theology of Craiova, together with his wife, started a daring project, and now brought to a good end. The translation is quite faithful to the original shape. The first edition of the English text was published by professor Sebastian Brock at the ‘Saint Ephrem Ecumenical Research Institute’ (SEERI), from India, Hottayam, in 1997: A Brief Outline of Syriac Literature. To be fair, the Romanian title is an adaption generated by the translators with the full consent of the author. The book has around 300 pages, supplemented with a rich introductory study signed by His Eminence Irineu, entitled ‘Syriac theology – a synthesis between dogma, symbol and mystery’.

Not ultimately, we give thanks to Father PhD Jacob Thekeparampil, the director of SEERI, ‘for the permission to translate this work from English, after the first edition published by the Institute which he coordinates’ and to Father PhD Professor Constantin Băjău, from the Faculty of Theology from Craiova, for correcting the translation. The launch of the book took place on 10^th October 2016 in the presence of Professor Sebastian Brock, in the Auditorium ‘Nestor Vornicescu’ of the Centre for Visualisation and Restauration of the Faculty of Theology from Craiova.

Also at that time took place the conference ‘The Importance of the Syriac Theology and Tradition in the Current Context’, presented by the English Professor. At the end, the great researcher was able to answer to the questions and also to give an autograph those who bought the book.’ Fr. PhD Professor Adrian Boldişor.

Source: The Newspaper The Light,

The Edition of Oltenia    

Publishing „Metropolitan of Oltenia” launched Saturday, March 24, the new edition, revised, Prologue, on the months from January to February, in print and audiobook version. The event took place at the Monastery Jitianu near Craiova and was attended and blessed by His Eminence Irineu, Archbishop of Craiova and Metropolitan of Oltenia. Father Ioachim Pirvulescu, Lainici convent, Father Bartolomeu Andronicus, Cozia convent, Father Sandu Grigorie, abbot of the monastery „St. George – Prisaca”, Father PhD Stefan Resceanu, professor at the Faculty of Theology in Craiova, Father PhD Sergiu Popescu, Father PhD Adrian Ivan, Father Prof. Constantin Popescu, the director of Theological Seminary „St. Gregory the Theologian” in Craiova, Prof. PhD Dinica Ciobotea, the researcher Tudor Nedelcea and Adrian Boldişor, Director of the Publishing „Metropolitan of Oltenia” also talked about this issue.
In his forward speech, made at ​​the opening of the work, IPS Father Irineu examines the historical dogmatic development of these writings, while stressing their importance for the life of our Holy Church: „Prologue provides us the sight of the true model of a holy life, the pastoral labors of the Holy Hierarchs we talk about the sufferings of martyrs, about longing for God’s holy heremit and women, on the state to which the Christian must strive, in his spiritual effort. Thus, each day is sanctified by the celebration of events or important people in the history of salvation”(p.6).
Edited in outstanding graphical conditions, „Prologue of January and February” is a reference book for the spiritual life of the faithful in the Archdiocese of Craiova

The fulfillment of seven years since the establishment of newspaper Light, newspaper of the Romanian Patriarchate, was marked today in the room „Europe Christiana” of the Patriarchal Palace in the presence of His Beatitude Daniel, Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The event was attended by His Eminence Timotei, Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of Spain and Portugal, His Eminence Ciprian Câmpineanul, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop, His Eminence Varlaam Ploiesteanul, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop, His Eminence Varsanufie Prahoveanul, Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, members of the Standing National Church Council and of the diocesan Council of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, the newspaper Light and their colleagues from other parts of the Basilica Press Centre.

People and places in the history of the Church from Oltenia

            Also, today was launched the book „People and places in the history of Church from Oltenia”, deacon father Apostolache Ionita, and published by Metropolitan of Oltenia Publishing. The volume is a collection of journalistic texts (articles, interviews, reports) published over time in the newspaper Light, Edition of Oltenia. In the 200 pages, readers have the opportunity to discover a true lesson of living and of history, offered from the behalf of the characters interviewed, of the described places or of the subjects treated. Thus, in the interviews section, you can find names of Oltenia church life, such as His Eminence Irineu, Archibishop of Craiova and Metropolitan of Oltenia, Father PhD Alexie Buzera, Father PhD Picu Ocoleanu, Father PhD Constantin Pătuleanu, Prof. Toma Rădulescu, Deacon Prof. Alexandru Racu, Father Ioan Ioanicescu, Prof. PhD Tudor Nedelcea, Prof. PhD Ion Buzera, Father PhD Alexandru Isvoranu etc.

Romanian Orthodox Photo Library

            On the occasion of this festivity was also launched the website of the Romanian Orthodox Photo Library containing photo collections 2012 photos currently, (the photo materials from the Central Historical National Archives (ANIC), especially from the background photo library, but also from the archives of the National Council for the Study of the Archives of the Security (ACNSAS), private collections and various works of history) most of them from the first half of the twentieth century, which present ministers, teachers, monks, places of worship and monasteries, some lost or renovated, several times/ events Romanian from the church life in the country and abroad etc.

            In the end of the event, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel addressed the audience highlighting a word that „Light newspaper fulfills, with means specific to the press, but also through the online edition, its chronic vocation of living Romanian Orthodox spirituality in the context of cultural and socio-economic from the beginning of this millennium. Today I got the „seven light steps” that gathered events and spiritual advice reports, interviews, memorials in Church history and more news about happiness and suffering, about the achievements and failures, on the facts of light, but also about the challenges and temptations of nowadays in the printed pages of the daily”, as testified to His Beatitude.
(Source: Basilica)

The spiritual Agenda 2012 and on the CD “expressiveness of healing theology in theology of music psalm” are the two papers released Monday, December 12th at Hostel priestly “Renasterea” in Craiova. With this event, Publishing “Mitropolia Olteniei” concludes a rich range of activities this year to promote products published with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Irineu.

 The faithful of the Archdiocese of Craiova received the  last two works, officially put under the Publishing House “Mitropolia Olteniei”: Spiritual agenda in 2012 and Byzantine music CD “expressiveness of healing theology in theology of music psalm.” The event enjoyed a very special atmosphere, heated by the  carols and hymns of harmony Byzantine Group members interpreted the psalm “Holy Great Martyr Demetrius” of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Craiova. Moreover, the presence and blessing of His Eminence Hierarchical Father Metropolitan Irineu strengthened quality endorsement for the two achievements.

The event was moderated by Fr Marius Resceanu, editor in chief of Radio Trinitas Studio Logos. The team of specialists included: His Eminence Metropolitan Father Irineu, Prof. Adrian Boldişor, Publishing Director ofMitropolia Olteniei”, Fr. Assoc. Dr. PICU Ocoleanu, professor in the Faculty of Theology, History and Science Education in Craiova, Florin Rogneanu, Director Museum of Art “Jean Mihail” from Craiova, Prof. Ion Preda, professor at the School of Art “Marin Sorescu’’ from Craiova, lecturer. univ. Dr. Paul Şopov from Faculty of Letters of Craiova, Department of Music Pedagogy, Professor Victor Sapca, conductor of psalm Group “Sfantul Mare Mucenic Dimitrie” and Catalin Pîrvulete, IT programmer.

Orthodox agenda – “sanctification place our plans”

            In the opening event, IPS Father Irineu spoke of the importance of the two papers presented: “today we areparticipating in the birth of the two works, the spiritual Agenda 2012 and Byzantine music CD “expressiveness of healing theology in theology of music psalm.” We say that we have in view all the struggles that were made to these publications. Genesis of all our work involves more effort, wisdom and devotion. The Arabic word translated as a writer “who is born”. Therefore, we can say that the artist  is the person who is born. That is our House, led by Mother Miriam, manages to give birth to works of art “. Metropolitan of Oltenia and also explained the spiritual meaning that emerges from the use of the Orthodox agenda: ‘Orthodox agenda is a time that takes place every day. In it we have churches, frescoes and especially holy. Hence we must learn that every day of our life is not without importance, because it is protected by a saint. Here’s how important the Christian Orthodox calendar. At home, if you schedule on the wall of multiple protection for saints are present in your life and on their behalf. Are enrolled there to remind us of them, asking them to intercede for the salvation of our souls. This is the aim of Orthodox Agenda  and the calendar and of course, where we adhere to what we have achieved all our best wishes, all our plans to be sanctified by the holy day. These notes bring all our options before God, that He might sanctify them. It is the purpose of our agenda”

Next, each guest looked into perspective their own  the  elements of the CD and the Spiritual Agenda:

            “Agenda 2012 represents for us the culmination of a year for new work, with many difficulties that we were able to go with the good faith and prayer to God. The novelty of this work, in addition to achieving outstanding graphics, in addition to its interior is so well structured, is the possibility those of transposition of electronic data through an online agenda. We want, as next year, to be in your expectations in other works as well adorned. ” (Adrian Boldişor)

“A true work of art”
            “The team led by mother Miriam, who made this work, the thought of it as a blood relationship between God and the gold of His Ascension. When you open it, inside, you think you face a papyrus paper with silk. It is the only paper that were placed special teachings of the great thinkers of the world. We meet here a great way to transpose ideas, insight imaging totally separate. It is very hard to sit on a page saints, decorative items, Orthodox Christian architectural elements in relation to a monument. The solution was extremely ingenious. Therefore we can say easily that what we face today is a true work of art that will remain normative fo th eChurch of Oltenia history.” (Florin Rogneanu)

            “I recently read a very interesting novel, written by a Nobbel laureate, Orhan Pamuk, a Turkish miniaturists who is describing the world, showing very nice their humility. His book fits perfectly of today works. Each publication at “Mitropolia Olteniei” has  personality comes with something new that surprises us, I would say unique at national publishing. The logic behind publishing aesthetic achievements of each is very special person, an artist in the true sense of the word, it’s mother Miriam Link. However, as miniaturists of old, mother, with a humility that we know of old books, the name never appeared on the books. That is why these works are valuable. That is why their value goes beyond words, why in their implementation is put heart, dedication and hard work.”(Rev. Assoc. Ph.D.. PICU Ocoleanu). 

            “Everything was done was done in teams. CD that we released today, as those so far, is the result of teamwork. In all our efforts we consult with IPS Father Irineu, for choosing pieces, the composers and the approach  of the pieces . Thanks your Beatitude for your support and for the investment you make in this project. Thanks also to Publishing team “Mitropolia Olteniei”, especially mother Miriam is the soul of these works. His Holiness, the time and no time, the talent that is equipped, beautifully blends tradition and renewal for the benefit and joy of the faithful of the Archdiocese of Craiova”. (Prof. Victor Sapca)

            At the launch, the singers of psalm music of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Craiova have played a bunch of Byzantine songs drawn from the new CD and traditional carols orthodox. Finally, Catalin Pîrvulete practically exemplified using a video projector, how to use the online agenda.
                                                                                          (Deacon Ioniţă Apostolache).

The paper “Christian Valences in Mircea Eliade’s thought”, published by “Metropolitan of Oltenia” Publishing, received the endorsement of quality from specialists on Thursday, December 8. The book was launched in an academic framework, the amphitheater “Iosif Constantin Drăgan” of the Faculty of Law and Public Administration in Craiova.

            Teachers, men of letters, students and researchers from Craiova gathered in the auditorium of the Faculty of Law, on Thursday, December 8, to attend the official launch of the paper entitled “Christian Valences in Mircea Eliade’s thought”, author Professor Adrian Boldişor. The event was attended by His Eminence Ph.D. Acad Father Irenaeus, Archbishop of Craiova and Metropolitan of Oltenia.

 “The work makes us think at the manuscripts of the scholar Mircea Eliade”

 The discussions  were moderated by Father Lecturer. Ph.D. Adrian Ivan, professor at the Faculty of Theology, History and Sciences of Education from Craiova. After a brief presentation of the author’s biography, Father Ivan gave the word to His Eminence Irineu, who emphasized that the link between the graphics of the book and its content are inseparable and form a whole: “We can address only words of praise and thank those who have labored in our Publishing House. By their effort, this book has become a true work of art”. His Eminence also appreciated the style of research in which the work has been made: “The writing is smooth, worthy of graphical presentation in which it has been placed. It sends us think at the  manuscripts of the Romanian scientist Mircea Eliade, compiled with great care and dedication. Therefore, we congratulate the author and wish him not to stop here, but to multiply his talent. “

            Father Ştefan Resceanu, professor in the subject History of Religions in the Department of Theology, noted, in his turn, the graphical quality of the work, designed to more strongly emphasize its content. However, Fr Professor Resceanu also spoke about the subject dealt in the paper: “Adrian Boldişor aims to gather the Christian ideas drawn from the thinking of the scientist Mircea Eliade. That was not easy, given that there were voices that have placed him in different syncretistic hypostases. That is why Mr. Boldişor’s book should stay in the library of every theologian.” At the same time, Professor Ionel Buşe, Coordinator of the Center for Studies “Mircea Eliade” from Craiova said: “The work is, undoubtedly, a true work of art, given the graphical form in which it was made. About the author I can only say that he is audacious. The publication of such a book at only 31 years, is an act of great courage and professionalism “.

The author, Professor Adrian Boldişor, is the Director of the “Metropolitan of Oltenia” Publishing and teacher at the Department of Theology at the Faculty of Theology, History and Sciences of Education from Craiova. The paper is the result of doctoral studies at the discipline History of Religions, at the Faculty of Theology from Bucharest, under the direction of Professor Ph.D. Remus Russian.                                                                  (Deacon Ioniţă Apostolache)

”Mitropolia Oltenia” Publishing House organized on Sunday, October 23, the release of two CD works with church music, recorded by the Psalm Group „Sfântul Mare Mucenic Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir” from the Metropolitan Cathedral from Craiova. The event took place in the Great  Hall of the „Oltenia” Philharmonic and was opened with the word of blessing of the His Eminence Metropolitan Acad. Ph.D. Irineu.

The ”Mitropolia Oltenia” Publishing House brings, as usual, to the attention of reading, art and even music lovers works of high quality, created with great talent and dedication. This time, the gift dedicated to the inhabitants of Craiova and not only them, was two valuable CDs recorded with traditional church music by the psalm singers from the Metropolitan Cathedral „Sfântul Dimitrie” from Craiova: „The image of the holidays of the year on Byzantine notes” and „The Assumption of Theotokos, heavenly and earthly joy of life”. The works were oficially presented to the general public in a very special event, impregnated with quality musical moments and pertinent discourses.

“Music is a language of universally valid value”

The hole manifestation was held with the hierarchical blessing of His Eminence Fr. Irineu who was present to the opening and who uttered a word of greeting:”Even from the beginning we intended to highlight everything that is beautiful and fine in the Byzantine music. In this purpose we tried to discover among our young real talents that we can rely on and then put them to work. This way, we succeeded to give life to these wonderful works through our publishing house and we have the joy of talking together about music today. Once, the philosopher Platon said that the universe is built after a melody, unknown to the mortals. All the planets, the stars and everything that exists in the universe is moving in a musical rhythm. Obviously, we are also made in a harmonious form and there are not few the places in the theology of the Saint Fathers where we can find the statement ”When He made the world, God sang”. These things cheer and wonder us. Every man exults and enjoys if he listens to a good melody whether he has musical knowledge or not. The music is another language with universal value which can be understood by everybody. It has a power of persuasion greater than the word which is always filtered by reason. Well, the way of communication of music is the heart, the soul. If we analyze these aspects, we could get to the conclusion that God loves both word and music but He cherishes music more. That is way in the Book of Apocalypse He says <<Son, give me your heart!>>” His Eminence concluded.

Prof. Maria Barbărasă, from the Highschool of Art “Marin Sorescu” from Craiova, Fr.Lect.Ph.D. Ion Bârnea, professor at the Faculty of Theology from Craiova, Fr.Lect.Ph.D. Antoniu Zamfir, professor at the Faculty of Music from Craiova and Deacon Prof. Alexandru Racu, the conductor of the Mixed Choir of the Cathedral „Sfântul Mare Mucenic Dimitrie” spoke about the graphical and musical value of the works. The guests discussed in detail the manner in which the works were done and the interpretation of the melodies. Between their discourses, the members of the Psalm Group, conducted by Prof. Victor Şapcă sang some of the pieces that are recorded on the two CDs. 

Deacon Ioniţă Apostolache

http://www.mitropoliaolteniei.ro/?p=3788

“Sacraments of baptism and matrimony in the holy scripture”

Deacon Ioniţă Apostolache, Newspaper “Lumina”, 21 May 2011

Book release at “Aman” library

 The Publishing House “Mitropolia Olteniei” has recently released the book called “Oameni si locuri din istoria Bisericii Oltene” (People and places in the history of the Church of Oltenia), signed by the Deacon Ionita Apostolache, the coordinator of the Oltenia Edition of the Newspaper “Lumina”. The event took place on Friday, July 1, in the Great Hall “Nicolae Romanescu” of the County Library in Craiova. 

The official release of the work “Oameni si locuri din istoria Bisericii Oltene” (People and places in the history of the Church of Oltenia), which is a collection of journalistic texts (interviews, reports, documentation) with summaries in English signed by Prof. Hermina Maria Apostolache, enjoyed a generous assistance that appreciated the diversity of the content. The event was moderated by the famous editorialist Cornel Mihai Ungureanu from the daily newspaper “Adevărul de Seară” ofCraiova. In the context of a thorough analysis of the recent editorial issuance, Adrian Boldişor, Manager of the Publishing House “Mitropolia Olteniei”, the researcher and writer Tudor Nedelcea, historian Toma Rădulescu, Assoc. Prof. Father Picu Ocoleanu PhD, and Father Mihalache Tudorică took the floor. 

Lansarea oficială a lucrării "Oameni şi locuri din istoria Bisericii Oltene"

  Reconstruction of a Christian Citadel

Marinela Porneală, Newspaper “Lumina”, 4 July 2011