The Annunciation Monastery

 

The Annunciation Monastery was built by the Romanian Army in 1936, which in the interwar period raised many orthodox churches for the Romanians living in areas heavily Magyarized.

During the years 1998-2007, were conducted following works:

- inside, the church was refurbished and painted in tempera, was decorated with iconostasis of linden wood, oak furniture, chandelier, hardwood floors and central heating;

- outside, were executed underpinning and consolidation works, the walls were refurbished and the whole church was covered with aluminum sheet. It has also been equipped with all the necessary items for holding the service. In the courtyard of the monastery, was built the summer shrine (with a small chapel at the basement), cells and a building for social assistance.

Visit to the Holy Cross Monastery

Holy Cross Monastery

The Holy Cross Monastery was founded in 1992, thanks to the initiative of the Abbess Mina and with the blessing of His Holiness Vasile Coman (the Orthodox Bishop of Oradea). The Monastery is located approximately two kilometers away from Oradea, in a place where before that time there was no settlement. In this barren place, rises today, from faith, for believers, a real treasure of Transylvania - a true monastic complex.

At that time, the only building of the monastery was a house with about a century old, that later became the library and the museum of the monastery. In 1993 is brought here the first church of the monastery - a wooden church dating from the early eighteenth century, ranked today among the historical monuments. The wooden church was brought from Corbeşti village, Bihor County, in an advanced state of degradation, but they have managed to reconstitute so that regained its former brilliance. Within a few years the monastery community increased impressively, currently counting 75 nuns which are coordinated by the Mother Superior Stavrofora Mina Bădilă and by the father confessor Protosinghel Atanasie Paleu.

1994 was the moment when was laid the foundation stone of the main church which is under the patronage of "The Assumption of the Virgin Mary". This church is unique in Transylvania because of its exterior painting which reminds us of the churches of northern Moldavia (this habit of exterior painting was lost no longer after the death of the great ruler Stephan the Great). The church, built in triconch plan, has murals both inside and outside with Byzantine painting, being used the most natural colors. Built in a wonderful Moldavian style, the church raised from a lot of love from God and the relentless toil of goodwill monastery community and lovers of holy believers. Every square inch of the exterior walls has something to transmit to believers. Different moments in Saints are played in the smallest detail being a real delight for the eyes and a joy for the Christian soul.

Although it is a relatively new founded monastery it has already several workshops, such as a tailor and embroidery workshop (where is carried out various models of priestly garments), and another of painting (where Byzantine icons are painted on canvas and wood).

                 

Visit to the St. Andrew the Apostle Orthodox Church

St. Andrew the Apostle Orthodox Church

The church was conceived from the beginning as Orthodox, with architectural elements and details inspired by the famous Byzantine prototypes: St. Sophia and Chora from Constantinople. If in the basement chapel is found the humility of the Christian Church, in the church itself is obvious the glory of Orthodoxy. The exterior is built of clinker brick, specially brought from Austria, is covered with cooper sheet, it has insulated oak-laminated windows, and on the facade of the "bell tower" was executed a mosaic icon (12 sqm) depicting St Andrew, the patron of the church. The pedestal carried out of Băiţa stone with ventilation niches is protected by wrought iron latticework. The stairs are covered with special brick. In the steeple were placed three bells of 750, 350 and 170 kg that are electrically operated. The interior complies with the ordinances of Orthodox canons: the interior painting is in progress where is used the technique of "al fresco" with Byzantine ornamentation; the painted dome was gilded with pure gold leaf.

The iconostasis is carved in marble, the royal doors are in bronze and the icons are painted on linden wood. The floor is made ​​of granite, in two nuances. The candelabrum with the other chandeliers are in bonze, made in Greece, like all the liturgical objects. From custody of P.S. John, the church was blessed by P.S. Justin Sigheteanul and P.S. Petroniu Sălăjanul on 30 November 2006, and is dedicated to "Romanian Saints".

The chapel is located in the basement of the church, and is built in a "catacomb" style that recalls the early Christian period. The interior is built in burnt brick, embroidered with Byzantine arches and vaults with well defined spaces, and the floor was paved with slabs of scorched earth, protected by a coat of linseed oil. The iconostasis is also built of brick, with marble ornaments.

Under the church stairs (21 steps), was set a Byzantine hall for Parish Council meetings and Christian gatherings. Besides those mentioned above, in this room works the "Sunday kindergarten" for all the preschool children. More benevolent educators, carries out religious educational activities after a well-established curriculum. The parents bring their children to the "nursery" where they learn prayers, religious songs, draw and paint religious scenes while listening to Mass, and at the right time in an organized manner are brought to church for the communion.