Mărișel, Cluj County, Romania, August 17, 2021
Photo: Facebook
On the feast of the holy Brâncoveanu Martyrs yesterday, a new monastery under their patronage was consecrated in the Archdiocese of Cluj of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The Brâncoveanu Martyrs were canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1992. Constantin Brâncoveanu was ruler of Wallachia from August 15, 1654 to August 15, 1714, when he was dethroned and captured by the Ottomans and transported to Istanbul together with his four sons, Constantin, Stephan, Radu, and Matei, where he was tortured and eventually executed by decapitation together with his sons and his treasurer Ianache Vacarescu. A new skete named for the holy martyrs and St. Joseph the Hesychast is also under construction Hunedoara County, Romania.
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The joyous event was celebrated yesterday by His Eminence Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, His Grace Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe, and His Grace Bishop Benedict, vicar of the Archdiocese of Cluj, bringing a culmination to 6 years of labor that began with the laying of the foundation stone on August 18, 2015, reports the Metropolis of Cluj.
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The day began with the consecration of the monastery church, built in the shape of a Byzantine cross, at 8:30, after which Bp. Benedict offered a brief spiritual word on the fulfillment and perfection of yet another offering to God. The hierarchs then celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the monastery’s summer altar, surrounded by a host of priests and deacons.
Following the Gospel reading, Bp. Macarie offered a homily in which he spoke of the Brâncoveanu Martyrs “as a model of a Christian, loving and sacrificial family.”
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Likewise, following the Liturgy, Met. Andrei spoke of the strong and enduring faith of the martyrs. He also congratulated all those who were involved in building the monastery church.
The abbess of the monastery, Mother Casiana, was elevated to the rank of stavrophore and given the right to wear the pectoral cross, and the monastery’s priest, Hieromonk Paisie (Plic), was elevated to the rank of protosinghel. The architects and benefactors of the monastery also received Church awards.
Photo: Facebook
The monastery community currently consists of 10 nuns, headed by Mother Casiana.
A video news report from the Romanian Orthodox Church shows scenes of the monastery and the consecration:
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