Bacău, Romania, August 14, 2019
The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău has initiated the process of purchasing a home in Bacău for the wife and four young children of the newly-reposed priest Fr. Marius Gabriel Bărăscu, according to a diocesan press release.
As OrthoChristian reported on Monday, Fr. Marius died in a tragic car accident on August 7, the day before his 35th birthday, leaving behind his wife Petronela, and four children: Anastasia, 9, Irina, 7, Sofiana, 4, and Nicolae, 18 months. The Archdiocese of Bucharest also announced on Monday that it was providing $1,184 (5,000 lei) to the family.
In addition to purchasing the home, utilities and other expenses “necessary for the good development of their family life” will also be covered by the Sascut Deanery of the Archdiocese.
The parish of St. Lazarus in Bacău will continually provide food, clothing, and supplies, and the Hârja Association of St. Stefan the Great will provide a monthly stipend to cover the costs of a nanny once Petronela goes to work.
The diocesan center will also open three accounts: in Romanian lei, in euros, and in dollars, for donors and sponsors who want to support the family, and the Archdiocese’s Mutual Aid House will also be involved in providing financial support. The deaneries of the Archdiocese of Roman will also be organizing collections towards the education of the four children.
A GoFundMe fundraiser was also launched by Fr. Marius’ sister-in-law to support the family in this time of crisis. Visit the fundraiser and support the family here.
May Fr. Marius’ memory be eternal!