A humble chapel once stood here. This is the site of Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfinții Voievozi – Gherghiceanu”. Its story is one of resilience faith and community.
The church you see today is not the original. The first Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfinții Voievozi – Gherghiceanu” was much smaller. It served a growing neighborhood called Gherghiceanu. This name came from a landowner who sold his land to new city residents. This formed the Gherghiceanu district near the Marcuta district. Because the Marcuta church was far away locals wanted a closer parish.
So on April 1 1938 a new parish was established. It was named Gherghiceanu. A chapel was created in a believer’s home. Bishop Veniamin Pocitan consecrated it. Later a larger chapel was set up in a carpentry workshop. Religious life continued until 1983. Then the communist regime ordered the church’s demolition. The community scattered.
Hope wasn’t lost. In 1994 priest Roman Ion bought land for a new church. The parish was re-established the following year. A wooden altar was used for Easter services in 1996. The new church was dedicated to Saints Michael and Gabriel. It’s a place of pastoral missionary and catechetical work. The parish engages with local schools and religion teachers bringing children to services.
The old church was too small. It was demolished. In its place a much larger church is being built. It will cover over 1000 square meters. It can hold approximately 700 people. The design is similar to the architecture of the Cathedral of the Salvation of the Nation. The Biserica Ortodoxă „Sfinții Voievozi – Gherghiceanu” stands as a testament to enduring faith and the strength of community. It is a vibrant place of worship. It continues to serve the people of this area. This is more than just a building. It is a living symbol of hope and perseverance.