Built in just four months the Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Corneliu Sutaşul – Balta Albă stands before you. Its story begins not with grand plans but with the simple needs of workers.
After World War I many factories sprang up around this area. Among them were Malaxa Filatura de Bumbac and Fabrica de Ciment Titan. The workers settled nearby. They longed for a church. They petitioned the Mitropolie. Their plea was heard.
The Balta Albă parish was established on April 1 1938. Father Dumitru Popovici became its first priest on November 15 1938. Initially services were held in a classroom at the Gheorghe Asachi primary school. A makeshift chapel was created. The first service was Christmas Day 1938.
Father Popovici and Constantin Brânzoi the former mayor of Dudesti-Cioplea spearheaded the construction. They were joined by notable benefactors including engineer Nicolae Malaxa. Others included the merchant Georgescu Dumitru and Archpriest Gheorghe Georgescu-Silvestru.
Architects C N Simionescu and Baumescu designed the church under the chief architect Ionescu Berechet. The plans were approved August 13 1939. The foundation stone was laid August 20 1939. Construction began immediately. Stoian Gheorganoff was the master mason. Constantin Marinescu was the master carpenter. Some materials were donated others were purchased.
The church is cruciform with two lateral apses. It measures 25 meters long 13 meters wide and 8 meters high. The rectangular narthex has a flat ceiling supporting the belfry. The foundation is concrete with a high plinth and four steps. The rest is brick concrete and wood particularly the roof.
The original paintings by Gheorghe Teodorescu from Argeş suffered from earthquakes and smoke. By 1989 they needed repainting. Work began February 15 1990. Toma Lascoiu completed the new paintings August 16 1991. The iconostasis was made at the Plumbuita Monastery. It was installed August 18 1990. The church was reconsecrated October 20 1991 by Bishop Teofan of Sinai.
The Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Corneliu Sutaşul – Balta Albă is more than a building. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and community. It’s a place where the simple desires of workers led to a magnificent house of God. A place that has witnessed countless prayers and celebrations. A church that continues to serve its community. A symbol of enduring faith in the heart of Bucharest.