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Culture and Religion as an Axis Between Styria and Romania

Sibiu follows Graz as "Cultural Capital 2007" and location of the "3rd Ecumenical Assembly"

"We are hoping for an upswing in the EU!"

Metropolitan Bishop of Sibiu, Laurentiu Streza (center) with theologian Grigorios Larentzakis (left) and Suffragan Bishop Franz Lackner (right). Picture credit: Agnes Truger
Metropolitan Bishop of Sibiu, Laurentiu Streza (center) with theologian Grigorios Larentzakis (left) and Suffragan Bishop Franz Lackner (right). Picture credit: Agnes Truger

Romania is likely to become a member of the European Union in 2007. What are the expectations, hopes and fears the pending accession brings with it? Upon invitation by Welthaus, PRO ORIENTE and the Ecumenical Forum, the Archbishop of Sibiu and Transsylvanian Metropolitan Laurentiu Streza talked about these subjects in Graz.

The event, which was organized by the EU-project "EUGEM - EUropaGEMeinde Steiermark" and supported by the European Union, provided an opportunity to illustrate the axis between Styria and Romania: After "Graz 2003," Transsylvania's capital Sibiu will be European Cultural Capital in 2007, and after the Second European Ecumenical Assembly in 1997, the third assembly will also take place in Sibiu.

One year in advance, Streza explains the background: 45 years of communist ideology have tried to undermine the "connection with heaven and the connection with earth" - by uprooting the people and nationalizing property, says Streza. A political turn has brought freedom with it, but: "The transition from bondage to total freedom must not be confused with boundlessness!" Streza pointed out that the Romanian society is now confronted with new phenomena: unemployment, poverty, collapse of families. The Church was not prepared for such problems, claims Streza. 


Due to these experiences, Romania puts great hopes into the EU. By joining, ecclesiastic leaders are hoping for an economic upswing and a solution for the high unemployment rate. "Romania does not enter the EU disabled. Our country is rich - spiritually as well as materially," stressed the Metropolitan Bishop. 

In a country such as Romania, which houses many nationalities and denominations, ecumenism has to become everyday lived reality. Streza added that Romania is on the path "from an existence next to each other over an existence with each other to an existence for one another. If the first millenium of Christianity was one of unity, and the second one of separation, the third should be one of reunification." However, "this should not be a process lasting another thousand years. Believers urge for further steps, they have no understanding for problems which are sought, found and administered on a scientific-theological level."

That in 2007, Sibiu will be European Cultural Capital and host of the Ecumenical Assembly, Streza sees as "a great challenge for us, but, at the same time, a great opportunity for coexistence in Europe!"


For further information:
Agnes Truger, project consultant
Welthaus Diözese Graz-Seckau
Grabenstraße 39, A-8010 Graz
Tel.: +43 316 324556 21
Mob.: +43 676 87423021
E-mail: agnes.truger@welthaus.at
http://graz.welthaus.at