“Robots”. That’s what some call the soldiers of Regiment 30 Guarda si Protocol “Mihai Viteazul”. But look closer. These “robots” are deeply faithful. They built this church. This is Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina. It is a place where soldiers and civilians pray together.
Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina belongs to the Regiment 30 Guarda si Protocol “Mihai Viteazul”. This regiment is the only unit specialized in military ceremonies in Romania. Imagine the soldiers. They are always perfect at military events. Their uniforms are flawless. Their steps are precise. They carry their weapons with pride. Some think their faces show no emotion. But these soldiers are not robots. They are people of faith.
Preotul Cristian Niculescu serves at Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina. He says serving in the military is fulfilling. Building this church was a dream. He never thought it would come true. The church connects soldiers and civilians. It provides spiritual support. Although the military unit is usually closed to the public this church is different. It is a link between the military and the community.
Construction of Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina began in 2003. The cornerstone was laid that June. The church was finished in four years. The first service was held on April 1 2007. Order and cleanliness are very important here. The military personnel keep everything well-organized.
Inside Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina, the carved linden wood catches the eye. This wood is used for the iconostasis and the 68 pews. Byzantine-style murals decorate the walls. Chandeliers with 480 bulbs light the nave and pronaos. Smaller lights shine in the altar and apses. Granite tiles cover the floor reflecting the blue ceiling.
Look above the main entrance as you leave Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina. A mosaic icon of Saint Mina is there. It covers 33 square meters. In 2009, the Regiment 30 Guarda si Protocol “Mihai Viteazul” celebrated the church’s consecration. It was a joyous moment.
Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina is loved by local students. They come to confess and take communion. Retired soldiers also find comfort here. Many are lonely and ill. The church is a place to meet old friends. Father Niculescu plans to start an association. It will offer medical assistance and leisure activities.
Preotul Niculescu experienced religious discrimination in the army before 1989. An officer told him to hide his religious books. He faced mockery and extra duties. Later, in 2002, he met that officer again. The officer was dying in a military hospital. He apologized for his past actions. They forgave each other.
In 2005, Preotul Niculescu served in Kosovo. He saw the horrors of war. Orthodox monasteries were surrounded by barbed wire. Church ruins were left as warnings. During Easter, Romanian and Italian soldiers sang “Christ is Risen” together. The Romanian soldiers were eager for spiritual guidance. Some admitted they found God more in danger than at home.
Biserica Militara Sfantul Mare Mucenic Mina stands as a testament. It shows the faith of soldiers. It is a bridge between the military and the community. It is a place of prayer, peace, and reconciliation.