“A symbol of inner resistance” is what they call Biserica Greco-Catolică Acvila. This church stands as a testament to faith. It survived demolitions that erased almost the entire Uranus neighborhood.
Let’s delve into the story of Biserica Greco-Catolică Acvila. After Transylvania united with Romania the number of Greek Catholics grew in Bucharest. A new place of worship became necessary. Pope Pius XI donated funds in 1925. He wanted a new Greek Catholic church to stand as a testament to Catholic faith in the capital.
In 1930 the Romanian State agreed to grant land for a central church. It would also include a parish house in the Vămii Poștei Mihai Vodă area. Despite the law passing the land was never given.
Finally in 1934 on Palm Sunday the cornerstone was laid for the new church. It was on Sirenelor Street number 39, then Acvila 38-40. Father Ioan Bălan owned the land, he later became the Bishop of Lugoj. Vasile Aftenie, the future martyred bishop, was the protopope at that time. Emanoil Popa was appointed as the first priest of the new church.
Construction progressed rapidly. On Christmas Day 1935 the first Liturgy was celebrated. The church was built of brick on concrete foundations. Architect Victor Smigelschi designed the plans.
In 1938 the final acceptance of the church and parish house took place. In 1939 work began on the iconostasis. Traian Bilțiu-Dăncuș decorated the church with a painting worthy of the building’s architectural beauty. Natanail Munteanu the parish priest oversaw the completion.
The church’s consecration was set for April 18 1943 Palm Sunday. The event was intended to be an affirmation of faith in the capital. Believers were encouraged to prepare spiritually through confession.
The decree of consecration was written on leather parchment. It was discovered in the altar. It states that during the consecration the Church was governed by Pope Pius XII. King Michael I reigned. Those present at the celebration signed the document. They included Valeriu Traian Frențiu Vasile Aftenie Gheorghe Dănilă Titus Mălai and others.
The document acknowledges those who helped build the Biserica Greco-Catolică Acvila. Gheorghe Dănilă Emanuil Popa Aurel Dobrescu and the charitable society Sfânta Elena contributed by raising funds. Zenovie Pâclișanu and Augustin Caliani gave festive speeches.
The Greek Catholic believers only enjoyed their new parish for five years. In 1948 priest Natanail Munteanu was arrested. Other Greek Catholic priests and bishops were arrested too. The church was handed over to the Orthodox Church.
Biserica Greco-Catolică Acvila miraculously avoided demolition. It was near the People’s House and had been evacuated. Until the Revolution the church remained locked. It became a storage place for waste.
On October 25 1990 believers requested the church’s return. They were initially unsuccessful. Courageous believers decided to take it back after paying the taxes owed from the evacuation. On October 26 1990 they cut the locks and cleaned the interior. Priests and believers stayed overnight to protect it.
On Sunday October 28 1990 the first Holy Liturgy was celebrated. Seven priests and over 350 believers attended. It was a day of historical significance. Forty-two years had passed since the arrest of the Greek Catholic hierarchs. They became martyrs for their faith. This is the story of Biserica Greco-Catolică Acvila a place of worship.