Peeking through the trees, Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist offers a glimpse into Bucharest’s rich history. This church stands at the intersection of Calea Călărașilor and Matei Basarab. Let’s delve into the story of Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist.
In the mid-18th century, this area was on the outskirts of Bucharest. A small settlement called Deluța emerged. It was home to craftsmen skilled in wool processing. They needed a place to worship.
The first church here was made of wood. Sadly, information about it is lost. In 1798, a brick church replaced it. This marked a significant step for the community.
A fire in 1847 damaged the brick church. The church was expanded. However, this modified church was demolished in 1871.
Construction of the current Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist began in 1872. Parishioners and Calist, a high-ranking cleric, contributed. Calist was an important figure in Bucharest. The Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist owes much to him.
The church has a unique design. It is built in a triconc plan. An octagonal tower rises above the nave. Large windows fill the space with light. A second, square tower sits above the pronaos. In 2013, a new porch was added. It frames the entire facade.
Inside Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist, the paintings reflect the style of Gheorghe Tăttărescu’s school. The face of the founder and the Dormition of the Mother of God icon may have been his works. Over the years, the paintings have been restored. Noted painter Iosif Keber completed one restoration in 1934. Earthquake damage in 1977 led to further repairs.
The Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist does not house valuable objects. There is a beautiful epitaph made by Maria Antonescu. She was the wife of Marshal Ion Antonescu. Also the church owns a Holy Gospel dating back to the time of Metropolitan Primate Nifon.
Calist Stratonichias, the church’s founder, was a local. He became a monk at Cernica Monastery. He rose through the ranks to become a bishop. In 1878, he served as a temporary bishop of Roman. Calist contributed greatly to the church and local community. He helped build a school, housing for priests and an asylum.
The Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist was consecrated on March 25, 1875. It was dedicated to the Annunciation and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. These were honors to the founders’ parents. Calist died in 1885 and was buried at Cernica Monastery.
Until World War II, a cemetery surrounded the church. Many 19th-century priests were buried there. Today, the Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist no longer has a cemetery.
Once, the Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist had a school. It seems that the school began around 1840. In 1885, buildings were added around the church to serve as an asylum. These buildings were demolished in 1987.
Today, the Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist organizes social and cultural events. The church provides assistance to those in need. It hosts lectures and film screenings. It organizes concerts and pilgrimages. Since 2005, relics of Saint Valentine have been on display.
The story of Biserica Delea Nouă-Calist is a story of community. It is a story of faith and resilience. It stands as a testament to Bucharest’s past.