Romania’s Centenary in Düsseldorf – Special Edition of the “First Confession” Program#

Published on 07 May 2018

On Sunday, 6 May 2018, the Düsseldorf parish held the closing celebration of the catechetical program “First Confession.” This program is intended for children who have turned 7 and entered the practice of Holy Confession.

The main goal of the “First Confession” catechesis program is to help children understand the importance of the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion and to foster their sense of belonging to the Orthodox community.

After the Divine Liturgy—during which they recited the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer with the entire community and received Holy Communion—the children shared testimonies on love for faith, nation, and the Romanian language, underscoring the importance of the 2018 Centenary Year.

“From four years of running this program, I can firmly say it is a true blessing for our parish. The participating children have engaged in Sunday School with much responsibility and devotion. The festive event is very important for them and signals the esteem we want them to recognize. The children who have joined this program so far have remained in the Church and continue to share the joy of being together. That is the most beautiful reward for the combined efforts that made this program possible. I thank, as always, teacher Simona Ilea Pop, teacher Ioana Pașca, and equally the parents who showed great Christian responsibility,” said Protopresbyter Iosif-Cristian Rădulescu.

Next year’s candidates for the “First Confession” religious education program have already expressed wishes about how their own celebration should unfold—a positive feedback loop and a precious signal for those laboring in this program.

On Sunday, 6 May 2018, the Düsseldorf parish held the closing celebration of the catechetical program “First Confession.” This program is intended for children who have turned 7 and are beginning to receive the Sacrament of Confession.