Biserica Ortodoxă „Bucur Ciobanul”

Did Bucur Ciobanul, a humble shepherd, truly lay the foundation for both Bucharest and its oldest church? Here at Biserica Ortodoxă „Bucur Ciobanul”, whispers of this legend intertwine with historical accounts. The very name, first appearing on an 1844 Bucharest map, evokes images of this shepherd, his flock, and a small wooden church on the banks of the Dâmbovița River. While some historians attribute the church’s construction to Mircea cel Bătrân in 1416, replacing Bucur’s original wooden structure, others place it in the 17th century, with renovations in the early 18th. Biserica Ortodoxă „Bucur Ciobanul” stands as a testament to the enduring power of both oral tradition and tangible history. One account places the original church on the same hill as Radu Vodă Monastery. Imagine the scene before the hill was divided by a road in the mid-18th century. The two sanctuaries, side by side, overlooking the city. Look at the iconostasis. Notice the intricate carvings and the icon of St. John the Baptist, dated February 8, 1705, with the painter’s signature. This date marks the creation of the current iconostasis, a centerpiece of Biserica Ortodoxă „Bucur Ciobanul”. The church was ravaged by fire in the 17th century and subsequently rebuilt. It served as a cemetery chapel for Radu Vodă Monastery. Later, it fell into disrepair and was closed in the early 19th century, only to be reopened and re-consecrated in 1938. The story of Biserica Ortodoxă „Bucur Ciobanul” continues. Its most recent re-consecration took place in June 2018. As you stand here, consider the layers of history, legend, and faith woven into the very fabric of this humble yet significant landmark. The church is dedicated to Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria. This dedication, combined with the shepherd’s tale, creates a unique spiritual atmosphere within Biserica Ortodoxă „Bucur Ciobanul”.