Istoria Bisericii Orthodoxe Romane Mircea Pacurariu.pdf
Istoria Bisericii Ortodoxe Romane: A Historical Overview by Mircea Pacurariu
The history of the Romanian Orthodox Church is a fascinating and complex topic that spans over two millennia. The Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest and most influential Christian churches in Eastern Europe, with a rich and diverse cultural and spiritual heritage. In this article, we will explore some of the main aspects and events that shaped the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church, based on the book Istoria Bisericii Ortodoxe Romane by Mircea Pacurariu, a renowned Romanian theologian and historian.
Istoria Bisericii Orthodoxe Romane Mircea Pacurariu.pdf
The Origins of Christianity in Romania
The origins of Christianity in Romania are not very clear, as there are few historical sources and archaeological evidence. However, it is generally accepted that Christianity was introduced in the territory of present-day Romania by the Roman Empire, which conquered the region of Dacia (the ancient name of Romania) in the 2nd century AD. The Roman administration and settlers brought with them their religion, culture and language, which influenced the native Dacians. Some of the earliest Christian communities were established in the cities along the Danube river, such as Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Sucidava (Corabia), Tomis (Constanta) and Histria.
Christianity faced many challenges and persecutions during the Roman Empire, especially under the emperors Diocletian and Galerius, who ordered a systematic campaign to eradicate the new faith in the 4th century AD. Many Christians were martyred or exiled during this period, but their courage and resilience inspired others to join them. One of the most famous martyrs of this time was Saint Andrew, the apostle who is considered the patron saint of Romania. According to tradition, Saint Andrew preached the gospel in Scythia Minor (the region of Dobrogea), where he converted many people and founded several churches. He was crucified on a cross shaped like an X, which became his symbol.
The Development of the Romanian Orthodox Church
The development of the Romanian Orthodox Church was influenced by several historical factors, such as the division of the Roman Empire into two parts in 395 AD, the migration of various peoples into Romania, the rise and fall of different political entities, and the relations with other Christian churches.
After the division of the Roman Empire, Romania became part of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, which adopted Christianity as its official religion in 380 AD under Emperor Theodosius I. The Byzantine Empire had a significant impact on the religious, cultural and artistic life of Romania, as it transmitted the Greek language, literature and philosophy, as well as the Byzantine rite and liturgy. The Byzantine Empire also defended Romania from various invaders, such as the Goths, Huns, Avars, Slavs, Bulgars and Pechenegs.
However, Romania also developed its own identity and autonomy within the Byzantine Empire, as it preserved its Latin roots and language, which evolved into Romanian. The Romanian people also formed their own political entities, such as the principalities of Wallachia (founded in 1290), Moldavia (founded in 1359) and Transylvania (founded in 1570). These principalities were ruled by local princes or voivodes, who often asserted their independence from Byzantium and other foreign powers.
The Romanian Orthodox Church also maintained its unity and continuity throughout history, despite facing many challenges and difficulties. One of these challenges was the Great Schism of 1054, which divided Christianity into two branches: the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. The Romanian Orthodox Church remained faithful to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which shared its doctrine, tradition and spirituality. However, it also had to deal with the pressure and influence of the Roman Catholic Church, which tried to convert or subjugate the Romanian people through various means.
Another challenge was the Ottoman invasion and occupation of Romania, which lasted from 1396 to 1878. The Ottoman Empire was a Muslim power that imposed heavy taxes and restrictions on its Christian subjects. The Romanian Orthodox Church suffered from persecution and discrimination under Ottoman rule but also enjoyed some degree of tolerance and autonomy. The Romanian princes and clergy often negotiated with the Ottoman authorities for their rights and privileges but also resisted them when necessary. The Ottoman period also witnessed some remarkable achievements for the Romanian Orthodox Church
Some of the remarkable achievements for the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Ottoman period were:
The printing of the first Romanian books, such as the Liturghierul (the Liturgy Book) in 1508, the Psaltirea (the Psalter) in 1512, and the Biblia de la Bucuresti (the Bucharest Bible) in 1688. These books helped to preserve and spread the Romanian language and culture, as well as the Orthodox faith.
The establishment of the Metropolitanate of Ungrovlahia (Wallachia) in 1359, the Metropolitanate of Moldavia in 1401, and the Metropolitanate of Transylvania in 1570. These ecclesiastical institutions represented the highest authority of the Romanian Orthodox Church in each principality and had an important role in the administration, education and charity of the Romanian people.
The construction of many churches and monasteries, which became centers of worship, learning and art. Some of the most famous examples are the painted monasteries of Moldavia, such as Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita and Humor, which feature unique frescoes on their exterior walls. Another example is the Curtea de Arges Monastery in Wallachia, which is considered a masterpiece of Romanian architecture.
The emergence of many saints and martyrs, who exemplified the holiness and courage of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Some of them are Saint Stephen the Great, who defended Moldavia from the Ottoman invasion and built many churches; Saint Constantine Brancoveanu, who was executed by the Ottomans along with his four sons for refusing to renounce his faith; Saint Parascheva, who was a pious ascetic and miracle-worker; and Saint Calinic of Cernica, who was a bishop and a spiritual father.
The Modern Period of the Romanian Orthodox Church
The modern period of the Romanian Orthodox Church began in the 19th century, when Romania achieved its national and political unity and independence from the Ottoman Empire. This period was marked by several important events and developments for the Romanian Orthodox Church, such as:
The establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate in 1925, which elevated the status and authority of the Romanian Orthodox Church within the Eastern Orthodox communion. The first patriarch was Miron Cristea, who also served as the prime minister of Romania.
The participation of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the ecumenical movement, which aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation among different Christian churches. The Romanian Orthodox Church joined the World Council of Churches in 1961 and established relations with other churches, such as the Anglican, Lutheran and Reformed churches.
The contribution of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the cultural and social life of Romania, through its involvement in education, charity, arts and media. The Romanian Orthodox Church founded and supported many schools, universities, hospitals, orphanages and publications. It also produced many prominent figures in theology, literature, history and art, such as Nicolae Steinhardt, Dumitru Staniloae, Nicolae Iorga and Constantin Brancusi.
The resistance and endurance of the Romanian Orthodox Church under the communist regime, which lasted from 1947 to 1989. The communist regime was hostile to religion and tried to control and suppress the Romanian Orthodox Church through various measures, such as confiscation of property, censorship of publications, imprisonment and torture of clergy and laity, and infiltration of agents. The Romanian Orthodox Church suffered greatly under communism but also managed to preserve its faith and identity.
The revival and renewal of the Romanian Orthodox Church after the fall of communism in 1989, which opened new opportunities and challenges for the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Romanian Orthodox Church regained its freedom and rights and started to rebuild its structures and activities. It also faced new issues and problems, such as secularization, globalization, migration and pluralism.
The Contemporary Period of the Romanian Orthodox Church
The contemporary period of the Romanian Orthodox Church began in the 21st century, when Romania joined the European Union and NATO and faced new opportunities and challenges for its integration and development. This period also witnessed some important events and developments for the Romanian Orthodox Church, such as:
The canonization of many new saints, who were recognized for their holiness and contribution to the Romanian Orthodox Church. Some of them are Saint John Chrysostom, who was a great theologian and preacher; Saint Gregory Palamas, who was a defender of the hesychast spirituality; Saint Antim Ivireanul, who was a metropolitan and a printer; Saint Andrei Saguna, who was a metropolitan and a leader of the Transylvanian Romanians; and Saint Justin Parvu, who was a confessor and a spiritual father.
The construction of the People's Salvation Cathedral in Bucharest, which is the largest Orthodox church in the world. The cathedral was inaugurated in 2018 and dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord and to the heroes of the Romanian nation. The cathedral is a symbol of the faith and identity of the Romanian Orthodox Church and a place of worship, education and culture.
The celebration of the Great Jubilee of 2018, which marked 1918 years since the Christianization of the Romanian people, 100 years since the Great Union of Romania, 100 years since the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchate, 25 years since the canonization of Saint Andrew, and 10 years since Romania joined the European Union. The Great Jubilee was an occasion to commemorate the past achievements and to look forward to the future challenges of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The participation of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the Holy and Great Council of Crete in 2016, which was the first pan-Orthodox council in over 1000 years. The council aimed to address some of the common issues and problems that affect the Eastern Orthodox Church in the modern world, such as its unity, mission, witness, dialogue, autonomy and diaspora. The council also issued several documents and statements on these topics.
The development of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the diaspora, which consists of millions of Romanians who live abroad for various reasons, such as work, study or migration. The Romanian Orthodox Church has established many dioceses, parishes and monasteries in different countries and continents, such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The Romanian Orthodox Church also supports and cooperates with other Orthodox churches and communities in the diaspora.
Conclusion
The history of the Romanian Orthodox Church is a long and complex one, that reflects the history and identity of the Romanian people. The Romanian Orthodox Church has faced many challenges and difficulties throughout history, but also achieved many successes and accomplishments. The Romanian Orthodox Church has preserved and transmitted its faith, tradition and culture, as well as contributed to the religious, social and cultural life of Romania and the world. The Romanian Orthodox Church is a living and dynamic church, that continues to grow and adapt to the changing times and circumstances. The Romanian Orthodox Church is a church of martyrs and saints, of heroes and leaders, of scholars and artists, of monks and priests, of believers and seekers. The Romanian Orthodox Church is a church of Christ and of the people. d282676c82
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