May 25, 2003

The Coordinator responds to the news of a new course in Bulgaria

 

To:
Metropolis of Stara Zagora,
The Orthodox Church of Bulgaria
c/o Dr Jordan Stojanov Vuchov MD
(Anaesthetist at University Hospital, Stara Zagora)

 

Dear Dr. Vuchov,

It is with great joy that I received the news of the upcoming course that will be offered at the Thracian University, Stara Zagora, which will deal with the theme of building an ICU interdisciplinary team. The fact that your course will include the area of pastoral care shows that you are very well aware of all the dimensions of providing care to the “whole man”, in his physical, psychological and ecclesiastical (spiritual) entity.

On behalf of the European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy, the only European Network that is formed by all the major Faiths, denominations and chaplaincy organizations in Europe, allow me to congratulate you on your endeavours and to wish you success.

You come from a strong Orthodox Christian tradition that has always seen man in a holistic way. I am sure that course work at the Thracian University will be a asset not only to those who will participate in this program, but will also offer foods for thought for all of us who deal with the issues you will discuss. I would be honoured to hear about the outcome of your discussions.

Let me take this opportunity express my personal desire, and that of the Network Committee, to assist you in any way possible in your efforts to establish high quality health care.

Please convey my best wishes to all those who are to participate in the program.

Sincerely,

 

Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas

Coordinator of the European Network of Healthcare Chaplaincy

(Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate)