social media addiction

Bishop Maxim warns against digital addiction during pastoral visit to Malta

Assistant Bishop Maxim of Danubius celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 25 October, at the Romanian Orthodox Parish of the Nativity of St John the Baptist in Valletta, Malta, warning that people lose their freedom when they distance themselves from God. His Grace explained the Gospel reading for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, which recounts…

Oct 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox monk warns of ‘virtual narcissism’ fuelled by social media validation

The Very Rev. Protosyncellus Sofian Costea has discussed the tendency to seek the approval of others online in a new episode of Doxologia’s video series “ASKetica”, explaining that “we chase after vainglory and motivation that comes from people, and less after the glory that comes from God”. Fr Sofian, who is blind yet continues his…

Aug 19, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Ignatie recommends digital fasting: We will realize how “drugged” we are using technology

Bishop Ignatie spoke on Sunday evening, at the Diocesan Cathedral in Huși, about the need to practice giving up addictive habits, such as addiction to digital media: “The purpose of fasting is not exclusively to give up, but to change some habits that turn us into slaves.” “Digital media fasting will help us realize how…

Mar 16, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

DMOPC18: Jean-Claude Larchet calls for abstinence from social media during fasting periods

During the first day of the International Conference on Digital Media and Orthodox Pastoral Care in Crete (DMOPC18), the renowned theologian Jean-Claude Larchet said that during the fast seasons Christians ought to reduce their activity on social platforms. Larchet said that social networks ‘have invaded the lives of contemporary people and especially of today’s youth.’…

Jun 20, 2018Aurelian Iftimiu