Imagine, hidden behind blocks in Drumul Taberei lies a gem. It is Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Apostol Andrei. This church is known as one of the largest and most appreciated places of worship in Bucharest. Its story is impressive.
Near the Drumul Taberei loop, on Aleea Parva, stands Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Apostol Andrei. It holds special significance for local residents. Its story reflects the community’s resilience.
During the communist regime, Drumul Taberei lacked churches. The atheistic beliefs of the communists led to the omission of churches in this newly built district. Residents traveled far to attend Liturgy. They went to other neighborhoods or the city center.
After the 1989 Revolution, the community felt the need for a local church. Initially, they gathered in a small wooden church from Alba Iulia. Father Nicolae Popescu was transferred from there. The small church was inadequate. Its tiny altar made services difficult.
On August 27, 1993, the General Council of Bucharest provided land to the Archdiocese of Bucharest. Six plots in Sectors 3 and 6 were allocated for new churches. These sectors had many apartments built before 1989.
In May 1998, Patriarch Teoctist approved Father Nicolae Popescu’s plan. It was to build Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Apostol Andrei on 2,600 square meters on Aleea Parva.
In 2001, Father Corneanu Sorin arrived from Alba-Iulia. Soon after, construction began on the new church. Locals rejoiced. The lack of a nearby church had caused some to consider moving.
The design mirrored the Sfânta Ecaterina church in Alba-Iulia. Father Nicolae Popescu had also led that project. Engineer Constantin Rusca, architect Datcu Florian, and designer Crișan Ioan signed off on the plans. Between 2001 and 2008, the church was built. Its domes, balconies, altar and porch drew inspiration from Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
On November 30, 2007, Saint Andrew’s feast day the church was blessed. Bishop Sebastian officiated the ceremony. The church uses vertical space with its balconies.
Notably, the exterior walls lack traditional buttresses. Instead, interior pillars from the balconies support the structure. These connect to the exterior wall via a concrete slab. This design enhances the church’s strength.
Interestingly, Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Apostol Andrei shares a length of 30 meters with the Temple in Jerusalem. The church is 20 meters wide and 25 meters high. It can accommodate over 3,000 worshippers making it one of Bucharest’s largest churches.
In 2008, the Pastoral Cultural House was built under Father Sorin Corneanu. Today, it houses the Multifunctional Social Center Sfântul Andrei. It supports disadvantaged youth through cultural and professional programs. The building has two floors plus an attic.
Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Apostol Andrei offers themed catechism every Sunday. Priests also publish the parish bulletin Revista Ortodoxă Sfântul Andrei.
Painting the church’s interior finished after its opening covering 3,500 square meters. Donations and sponsorships largely funded both the painting and construction. The Sector 6 City Hall also provided financial support.
So the next time you’re near Drumul Taberei take a moment. Appreciate the magnificent Biserica Ortodoxă Sfântul Apostol Andrei.