Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 21 – Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen urged pagodas to take the initiative in training their priests instead of relying solely on the Ministry of Cults and Religion for training.

Samdech Techo spoke on Thursday (Nov. 21) during the opening of the 32nd National Congress of Buddhist Monks at the National Institute of Education.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo underscored, “The more monks there are, the greater the need for priests. Each pagoda should train its priests by taking existing monks and preparing them for this role. When older priests can no longer serve, trained monks can step in to fill their roles. We should not solely depend on the Ministry of Cults and Religion for priest training. Pagodas themselves have the capacity to train priests locally."

Samdech Techo Hun Sen underlined that there are numerous villages where priests are in high demand. During the rainy season, wedding ceremonies are not conducted, but once the season ends, many weddings take place, increasing the need for priests. Priests are essential for blessing ceremonies, performing rituals, and addressing the growing needs of the community.
=FRESH NEWS