Ever wondered where Bucharest’s merchants swore their solemn oaths? This is Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir also known as the Church of the Oath. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience.
Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir is not just another church. It’s a landmark with a rich story woven into the city’s fabric. Today we will explore its past. We will uncover the secrets held within its walls.
Located behind the National Museum of Romanian History Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir has witnessed centuries unfold. Nearby you will find the Stavropoleos Monastery the Old Court and the Dâmbovița River. Its location is steeped in history itself.
The church’s nickname Church of the Oath comes from a time when merchants solidified contracts before its icons. Imagine them standing here raising their hands. They vowed to tell the truth. They promised nothing but the truth during legal disputes. This practice dates back to 1655 the year of its first documented mention.
In 1753 a second church dedicated to Saint Great Martyr Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir was erected from stone. Stroe Râmnicianu later known as Isaia the Monk and Logofăt Radu initiated this construction.
Around 1755 Prince Constantin Racoviță declared Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie a dependency of the Bishoprics of Râmnic and Buzău. Ștefan Vodă Racoviță reaffirmed this status in 1765. However in just seven years Cosma of Buzău and Chesarie Halepliu of Râmnic agreed. The church would fall under the sole care of Buzău’s bishopric.
Another reconstruction began in 1819. Kostandie Filitti Bishop of Buzău started the work. Bishops Gherasim Rătescu and Chesarie of Buzău continued and completed the project. Chesarie also enriched the church.
Between 1840 and 1847 Ierodiacon Iosif Naniescu who later became Metropolitan of Moldavia lived and served here. He attended the Saint Sava College in Bucharest at the time.
After World War I Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie fell into neglect. It faced demolition. Fortunately academician I.C. Filitti launched a press campaign. He saved the church and restored it to worship in 1930.
Extensive renovations took place between 1964 and 1966. Workers restored the exterior. They also revamped the heating lighting and plumbing systems. Following the 1977 earthquake the roof was repaired in 1986. The wooden turret was reinforced. But the painting remained untouched.
Since 2012 there has been a fundraising campaign to complete renovations. The goal is to restore the church to its former glory.
Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie Izvorâtorul de Mir holds the only icon in Bucharest of Saint Iuda Tadeul the protector of the desperate. The church celebrates three patron saints. These are Saint Great Martyr Dimitrie Saint Great Martyr and Healer Pantelimon and Saint Haralambie. Relics of these saints are housed within its walls. You can also find relics of Saint Antipa and Venerable Nicanor.
Reaching the age of 500 Biserica Sfântul Dimitrie Posta or of the Oath has risen from its ashes. It stands as a symbol of faith rebirth and historical importance.
Today it functions as a University Chapel under the Archdiocese of Bucharest.