Resursele psihologice de intervenție pastorală în slujirea socială a ortodoxiei românești contemporane. Vertebrarea filantropică a misiunii BOR, la 100 de ani de patriarhat
Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, and Philanthropy: Articulating the Social Mission of the Romanian Orthodox Church at Its Patriarchal Centenary

Author(s): Teofil Tia
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Other Christian Denominations, Psychology of Religion
Published by: Ideas Forum International Academic and Scientific Association
Keywords: integrative pastoral care; pastoral psychology; applied philanthropy; professional social intervention; spiritual counseling; psychotherapeutic pastoral care;
Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the psychological dimension of pastoral intervention within the context of the social ministry of the contemporary Romanian Orthodox Church, analyzing how psychological resources can support the Church’s philanthropic mission a century after the establishment of the Patriarchate. In an increasingly complex social landscape, the Romanian Orthodox Church is called to structure its charitable actions not only theologically and institutionally, but also psychologically – through an integrative and professional pastoral approach. The article offers an interdisciplinary analysis of psychological resources that can reinforce pastoral intervention within the Church’s social ministry, at a moment of historical reflection marking 100 years since the founding of the Patriarchate. It identifies contemporary psychological tools which, when integrated within an Orthodox theological framework, can enhance ecclesial philanthropy, thereby strengthening the spiritual, institutional, and communal coherence of the Church’s mission. Emphasis is placed on the need for pastoral care that is adapted to the current social context – through the development of clergy training in applied psychological competencies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the implementation of pastoral practices with tangible psychosocial impact.

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