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.