Sofia, November 13, 2024
Photo: mitropolia-sofia.org
His Holiness Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria highlighted the growing disconnect between genuine human interaction and modern digital culture at the opening of the Divine Wisdom Orthodox Arts Festival in Sofia’s historic St. Sofia church this week.
In an address focusing on the challenges facing young people in today’s digital age, the Patriarch expressed concern about the impact of virtual communication on spiritual and personal development, reports BTA.
“A large percentage of young people are growing up in a culture of virtual communication, where information and emotions are consumed quickly,” the Patriarch noted, warning that this trend is affecting how people form relationships and understand themselves.
The Patriarch suggested that spiritual literature could serve as an antidote to the superficial nature of digital interaction. “The soul becomes accustomed to such communication not with real people, without the opportunity to pay attention, to reflect, to connect with the spirituality and thoughts of other humans,” he observed, emphasizing the need for deeper, more meaningful connections.
Speaking at the festival's third annual edition, Patriarch Daniel stressed the vital role of traditional reading in personal development. "It is extremely important to discuss and encourage the publication and reading of spiritual literature and reading in general," he said, noting that such practices help create “lasting, in-depth knowledge and relationships that create stable views in a person and stable building of a personal identity.”
The Orthodox leader particularly emphasized the connection between reading and virtue, stating that “the most important and essential part of human virtue is communication with others, creating lasting relationships and a sense of calm and peace in communicating with other people.”
The festival, which includes discussions on Christian literature and publishing, serves as a platform for addressing these contemporary challenges while preserving traditional Orthodox values and practices. This year’s event features church choirs, literary discussions, and a book fair showcasing Orthodox publishers.
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