Bucharest, February 26, 2021
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Recognizing its important role in Romanian history, the plenary of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies approved more than $1 million of financial support for Prodromou Skete on Holy Mt. Athos on Wednesday.
There were 258 votes in favor, 31 against, 19 abstentions, and 1 unexpressed vote for allocating $1,162,272 (960,000 euros) to Prodromou, the most well-known Romanian habitation on the Holy Mountain, dedicated to St. John the Forerunner and Baptist.
The state is indebted to the monastery and must support its restoration and conservation, say the initiators of the bill, as reports the Basilica News Agency:
Given the history of this place and its importance for the Romanian people, it’s necessary for the Romanian state to provide permanent financial support for the restoration, conservation, and maintenance of the building complex and theological, cultural, historical, and artistic works that make up the Prodromou Skete, but also for the development of the spiritual-cultural and social relationship of the pilgrims with it.
From 2017 to 2019, the state allocated 250,000 euros (about $300,000 today) to the skete. The amount was first raised to 960,000 euros last year.
Prodromou Skete, which belongs to the Great Lavra, was founded in 1820, during the time of His Eminence Metropolitan Veniamin (Costachi) of Moldavia. Its foundation was recognized by the royal deeds signed by Grigorie Alexandru Ghica of Moldavia, on July 7, 1853, and by Carol I of Romania, on July 19, 1871.
The construction of the monastic ensemble took place pace between 1852 and 1866 under Hieroschemamonk Nifon Ionescu.
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