“Holy Trinity Church” resonates within these walls. The Biserica Ortodoxă „Delea Veche” stands before us. It is a testament to faith and history. Let’s delve into its story.
Tradition says the first church here was wooden. Delea Logofătul built it in the late 17th century. Records mention it in 1761. Blasius Kleiner noted it in his travelogue.
Later Alexandru Ghica Voievod likely ordered a stone church built. This was sometime between 1766 and 1768. Sadly its inscription is lost.
In 1789 Purcel’s map calls it “Dely Nou”. It mistakenly identifies it with the neighboring “Delea Nouă” church. Back then it had one steeple and a shingle roof. It was repaired in 1853.
The current Biserica Ortodoxă „Delea Veche” was built between 1894 and 1896. King Carol I reigned during this time. Architect George Mandrea designed it. Parishioners contributed with help from the Metropolis of Ungro-Vlahia. Metropolitan Ghenadie Petrescu oversaw the project.
Mihail Dragomirescu painted the church by the summer of 1895. C.M. Babic sculpted the iconostasis the pulpit the pews and the episcopal throne.
The Biserica Ortodoxă „Delea Veche” is cross-shaped. It is 30 meters long 10 meters wide and over 16 meters tall. The altar apse is doubly recessed. The main steeple sits on the nave. An enclosed porch features two towers. Its architecture resembles Saint Nicholas “Basilescu” Church and Holy Trinity Church in Sinaia Monastery. George Mandrea designed them all.
Entering the Biserica Ortodoxă „Delea Veche” you pass through a small unique porch. It covers eight square meters. A stone-carved portal is above you. An inscription marks the church’s dedication.
Radical repairs took place from 1923 to 1925. Priest Constantin Diaconescu oversaw the work. Constantin Vasilescu repainted the church. After the 1977 earthquake exterior repairs happened under parish priest Constantin Georgescu. Interior repairs and painting restoration occurred in 1984 by priest Boitan Florian. Eremia Profeta was the painter.
The Biserica Ortodoxă „Delea Veche” has a rich history. It began as a humble wooden structure. It evolved into the beautiful church we see today. It stands as a symbol of enduring faith. Its architecture reflects its historical journey. Its art tells stories of devotion. This sacred place continues to inspire.