Sîngerei, Moldova, October 4, 2021
Photo: Facebook
On Thursday, October 1, a bust of Valeriu Gafencu, one of the most beloved 20th-century martyrs of the Romanian Orthodox Church, was opened and blessed in his hometown.
Gafencu was arrested by the communist authorities in 1941 and died 11 years later at Târgu Ocna Prison at the tender age of 31. He was dubbed “Saint of the Prisons” by theologian Nicolae Steinhardt for his “exemplary Christian conduct and devotion to those in suffering.”
The monument in his honor was installed in front of the House of Culture in the city of Sîngerei, now located in Moldova, reports the Basilica News Agency.
The bust was blessed by His Grace Bishop Antonie of Bălți, who expressed hope that the memorial will inspire the youth of Sîngerei to discover the beauty of the Orthodox faith, as Valeriu Gafencu did.
The event was attended by local authorities and members of Romanian Parliament.
Learn more about Valeriu Gafencu, about whom Fr. Gheorge Calciu said: “I have no doubt that he is a saint. He lived the word of God to such a level that it was incomprehensible for us,” in the article, “A Contemporary Confessor and Martyr for Christ.”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
