Here stands Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei”. It is a beacon of faith in a neighborhood forged during Romania’s communist era. This area named Drumul Taberei once stood devoid of churches.
This Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei” is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Romanian people. After the Revolution of 1989 Romanians sought to rebuild their spiritual lives. They started constructing new churches. This reflected their traditions and spiritual needs.
In 1993 the Municipal Council of Bucharest allocated land for new churches. This included a plot on Aleea Parva. In May 1998 Patriarch Teoctist entrusted Father Nicolae Popescu with a sacred mission. He was to build a new church on this land. The land measured 2600 square meters.
Today Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei” stands as a vibrant center of worship. Its history is deeply intertwined with the community it serves. Regular services fill the week. The Holy Liturgy is celebrated every morning from Monday to Friday. Services occur from 8:00 to 10:00.
On Fridays evenings there is a special service. The Holy Unction starts at 17:00 and goes until 19:00. Saturday mornings start with the Holy Liturgy. It goes from 8:30 to 10:00. This is followed by memorial services. Baptisms are performed in the afternoon. Weddings fill the late afternoon and evening.
Sunday is a day of heightened spiritual activity. Matins begins at 8:30. The Holy Liturgy follows at 9:30. A sermon is delivered at 11:00. Baptisms and weddings continue into the afternoon. Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei” is active.
Confessions and Holy Communion are held daily. This is especially true during the four major fasting periods. The fasts are for Easter, the Holy Apostles, Saint Mary, and Christmas. These services happen between 8:00 and 11:00.
Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei” also provides spiritual guidance via phone and video conference. Clergy are available on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:30. Weekend hours are from 14:00 to 18:00.
Currently Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei” is raising funds. The donations will help complete the church’s paintings. The donations will also support religious activities.
But there is also the testament of Father Gheorghe Calciu. He leaves this word for his parishioners. He asks them to love each other. He says this is how one can see that we are the children of our Redeemer Jesus Christ. He asks them to be sacrificial. Make efforts for the building of the church. Pray and be merciful towards those in need.
Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfântul Andrei” is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to faith. It is a vibrant community hub. It is a place of solace and spiritual renewal. It is a place of reflection. The faithful built this holy place with the help of the Holy Trinity.