Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul

Nestled between two bustling boulevards, Corneliu Coposu and I. C. Brătianu, lies the Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul. This unassuming church, also known as Sf. Ioan – Piață, whispers tales of resilience and transformation. Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul has worn many names throughout its history. These names, like echoes of its past, include Sfântul Ioan Cel Nou, Sfântul Ion a Dumnealui Vornic Pârscoveanu, Sfântul Ionică de la podu Beilicului, and Sfântul Ionică – Piață. Its current location in Piața Unirii marks just one chapter in its long story. Originally, Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul stood on Șerban Vodă street, near the Beilicului Bridge over the Dâmbovița River. This church was built in 1774 by the furriers and tanners guild, led by Ioniță Croitorul. Its modest architecture, a single nave with a semicircular altar apse, two towers, and a colonnade forming a narrow exonartex, reflects a 17th-century style. This simple design sets it apart from the grand churches of the Brâncoveanu era. Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul has faced trials by fire and upheaval. In 1847, the “great fire” ravaged Bucharest, severely damaging the church. The resilient tanners guild, under the leadership of Iordache, financed its restoration. Donations poured in from the faithful, their names etched into the church’s entrance as a testament to their support. Fast forward to the 20th century, and Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul underwent a complete restoration between 1930 and 1940 under Patriarchs Miron Cristea and Nicodim Munteanu, with Iosif Keber renewing the paintings. The turmoil of World War II brought more damage when bombings in 1944 affected the roof. Again, the church was restored between 1965 and 1966 under Patriarch Justinian, thanks to the dedication of the parish priest, Paul Munteanu, and the support of the community. Perhaps the most dramatic event in the church’s history occurred in 1986. During the communist regime’s reshaping of Bucharest, Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul was deemed an obstacle. The 3,100-ton structure was moved 23 meters at a 37-degree angle on a 2.8-degree inclined track. This engineering feat, overseen by Professor Eugeniu I. Iordăchescu, was a marvel of its time. Tragically, the church lost surrounding land and properties in the process. Today, Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul continues its journey of renewal. Ongoing restoration efforts, under the guidance of Patriarch Daniel and spearheaded by Father Anatolii Scurtu, aim to revive its former glory. The church’s paintings and iconostasis have been meticulously restored. And on November 23, 2014, Patriarch Daniel consecrated the restored artwork, marking another milestone in the enduring story of Sf. Ioan Evanghelistul.