Romanian Orthodox Communities in Transition: Human Dignity and Labour Migration through Pastoral Missiology

Abstract This article examines the complex dynamics of labour migration within Romanian Orthodox communities, both in Romania and in the diaspora, focusing on the theme of human dignity through a missiological lens. It explores how the Romanian Orthodox Church addresses the challenges faced by migrants, highlighting the theological, social and ethical implications of migration for individual and community well-being. Drawing on empirical data, including interviews with church leaders and lay people, and comparing scholarly work on Orthodox diaspora communities, the study highlights the intersection of religious life, cultural identity and migration. The findings reveal how the church’s pastoral practices respond to the needs of the migrating faithful, aiming to preserve their dignity, cultural identity and religious observance in foreign lands. The research highlights the church’s role in supporting migrants, facilitating their integration and advocating for their rights, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the impact of migration on community cohesion and spiritual life. The article argues that there is a shift in how the Church provides pastoral care for migrants from an “on call” presence to, what we shall name as “proximity” pastoral care. The article proposes the concept of pastoral missiology as a heuristic tool for developing relevant theologies of pastoral care in diaspora contexts.