Lost in thought, I imagine the echoes of prayers that have resonated within the walls of Biserica Buna Vestire Giulești for nearly a century. This church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. We are standing before Biserica Buna Vestire Giulești. It is located on Calea Giulești. Nicolae Dumitrescu and other residents donated the land to build the church in 1915. Construction took place between 1921 and 1923. Preotul Ioan Ghiorghiade was instrumental in this effort. He was a Macedonian refugee. He is buried near the altar.
The church’s story is one of survival. The earthquake of 1940 caused significant damage. Then, in 1944, German bombardments further devastated the structure. A bomb struck the church directly. Preotul Nicolaie Angelescu witnessed this destruction. He heroically created a place of worship from the ruins. He served there for years.
Inside the ruined church, a chapel was created. It was dedicated to Sfânta Mare Muceniță Ecaterina. When the church was rebuilt, it retained both names. It honors both Buna Vestire and Sfânta Mare Muceniță Ecaterina.
In 1960, a large apartment building was constructed nearby. It visually impacts the church. Yet, Biserica Buna Vestire Giulești maintains its presence.
Major repairs were done after the 1977 earthquake. The interior and exterior were renovated. This work was carried out during the time of preoților Pănoiu Ioan and Lefter Anatolie. Further work took place in later years, including restoration of the mural painting.
Look at the tower-bell at the entrance. It was designed by Voicu Florea. Completed in 1995, it adds a distinctive element. A spiral staircase leads to a library. See the mosaic icons on the tower. They depict saints and the Buna Vestire.
Biserica Buna Vestire Giulești has a triconic plan. It measures 26 x 9 – 12.5 meters. A single cylindrical turret rises above the nave. The turret has eight elongated windows. Notice the facades. They are divided into two sections by a band decorated with plant motifs. The upper section features blind niches. The lower section has tall, arched windows with stained glass. These stained-glass windows depict saints painted by Andrei Efremov.
Inside, the fresco paintings date from 1989-1991. Prof. Pandele Boroină created them. The votive painting includes Patriarch Teoctist. The oak furniture was created by Preotul Gheorghe Nicolescu.
The church was reconsecrated in 1994. PS Episcop Teodosie Snagoveanul officiated. The church was re-hallowed in 2012 by Patriarch Daniel. Biserica Buna Vestire Giulești stands as a symbol of enduring faith. It is a place where history and spirituality intertwine.