Romania is situated in eastern Europe and is the largest of the Balkan countries. It is bordered by Ukraine and Moldova in the northeast; Hungary in the west; Serbia and Bulgaria to the south, along the Danube River. Romania has a stretch of sea coast on the Black Sea and the Carpathian mountains run through its centre. It has long been one of Europe’s poorest and least developed countries.

After World War II the country was under communist rule and wasn’t until 1989 that this began to change when street demonstrations against the repressive regime of Nicolae Ceausescu led to riots and the eventual capture and execution of Ceausescu and his wife. It was a dramatic change to an emerging democracy – but the subsequent years have seen continued instability, both economic and political.

A lack of progress meant that Romania was unable to join the European Union in 2004 but recent signs of development ensured that its status was ratified in January 2007.

Mission in Romania: Challenges and opportunities:

Crippling poverty, an aging population and dealing with the re-integration of orphans into mainstream society are just some of the issues facing the Christian community in Romania. The Church is one of the few organisations tackling the country’s social problems.

In Bucharest CMS Ireland partners with the Church of the Resurrection and All Saints’ Church and in Brasov we are linked with SCUT.

CMS Ireland’s links with Romania are in their infancy. If you would like further information about opportunities to visit or serve in Romania, or to set up a partnership link please get in touch with James Price through the Dublin office.