A modest building it is. The Biserica Ortodoxă Costească stands as a testament to faith and community in Bucharest.
Let’s step back in time to 1946. Master craftsmen from Transylvania raised this holy place. It served the Greek-Catholic faithful originally. However, history took a turn. In October 1948 the church transitioned. It became part of the Orthodox Church. The congregants followed.
But the story doesn’t end there. By 1989, the original Greek-Catholic members moved on. Still the Biserica Ortodoxă Costească persisted.
Now notice the structure around you. The Biserica Ortodoxă Costească is made of wood and wattle. It lacks a solid foundation. It rests only on supporting pillars. This poses a real danger. Reinforcement isn’t an option sadly.
Despite its fragility, it holds deep meaning. Father Dan Toader recognized the need for a new, safer space. He initiated the construction of a new place of worship. The cornerstone was laid in 2006 by P. S. Varsanufie Prahoveanul.
As of now the new Biserica Ortodoxă Costească is still under construction. It’s in the covering and finishing stages. Plans include a multifunctional basement. This will house a hall a medical office and a library.
The construction relies on the dedication of believers. They offer volunteer work materials and financial support. The Sector 1 City Hall supports the project through Mayor Andrei Chiliman.
Look at this current church again. The Biserica Ortodoxă Costească stands apart from the houses nearby. A square-plan tower rises above the entrance. It has a pyramidal roof covered in metal scales.
Inside, the rectangular layout leads to the altar. It is oriented northwest in this case. A wooden wall separates it from the nave. Two slender pillars support the tower. These mark the entrance to the nave.
The entire nave has a gable roof. Inside, it’s protected with azure melamine wood panels. Simple rectangular windows let in light. Icons of saints adorn the walls. Notice the 14 icons depicting the Stations of the Cross. This is more common in Catholic churches.
A small vestibule precedes the entrance. The street-facing facade features plaster ornaments. These frame the doors and windows. Above the entrance is a mosaic icon. It depicts the Virgin Mary with the Child.
Beyond the new church the parish seeks further improvements. They aim to obtain permits for a bell tower and a parish house.
The Biserica Ortodoxă Costească stands as a symbol of enduring faith. It represents community effort in the face of challenges. Donations to support the church are welcome. They can be made to the bank account RO46CECEB10836RONNO343602. Take a moment to appreciate the spirit of this place. It’s a testament to faith. It shows a community’s determination to preserve its heritage.