During the 17th Annual Meeting of the Euro-Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (EABM) in Iași from October 17 to 20, Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church emphasized the importance of collaboration between medical science and Christian spirituality. He highlighted the shared goal of both fields: healing the sick.
Patriarch Daniel pointed out how advancements in medicine are increasingly acknowledging the positive impact of faith, compassion, and altruism on physical and spiritual well-being. He stressed that a life rooted in Christian spirituality promotes a healthy lifestyle at both individual and community levels.
In recognition of his dedication, Professor Dr Grigore Tinică, Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iași and President of the EABM Congress, was honored with the 2024 Solemn Diploma and Medal for his exceptional service in caring for the sick.
The Patriarch concluded by offering his blessings and prayers for the success of the conference and all its participants.
The Beneficial Cooperation Between Medicine and Christian Spirituality
With joy, I welcome all participants of the 17th Annual Meeting of the Euro-Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (EABM) in Iași from October 17 to 20. We pray for the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ on this crucial scientific gathering and its organizers.
Medicine serves as a unique intersection where science and spirituality meet, working towards a common goal: healing the sick through medical care rooted in faith in God, the source of life.
The significant progress in medical science today has established numerous links with Christian spirituality. Research increasingly confirms the benefits of spiritual life within the Church, as well as the compassion and solidarity practiced in Christian communities, on both physical and spiritual health.
Studies demonstrate the healing power of love and compassion, showcasing the positive effects of altruism on health and volunteering on well-being.
Compassion strengthens caregivers, enabling them to face suffering. Medical care infused with compassion often brings spiritual fulfillment. A kind heart acts as a remedy for a healthy heart, while forgiveness reduces hostility, lowers stress, and enhances the quality of life for the forgiver.
A life guided by faith and Christian spiritual practices promotes the positive impact of the spiritual dimension of medical care, encouraging healthy behaviors on personal, familial, and community levels.
Physicians and priests share a similar role in witnessing the mysteries of life and the miracles of healing. Constantly striving to alleviate suffering, extend life, and restore health, physicians, like priests, stand at the forefront of life’s challenges.
We pray for the intertwining of prayer spirituality with medical science and other disciplines focused on humanity, the pinnacle of God’s creation. Through this integration, we will witness Christ’s love at work in physicians and those who pray for the health of others.
In recognition of his exceptional service, we are honored to present the 2024 Diploma and Medal—”The Solemn Year of Pastoral Care and Assistance of the Sick”—to Professor Dr Grigore Tinică, President of the Congress and Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Iași.
With gratitude and blessings,
† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Source: basilica.ro