Peter Peterson, a generous promoter of Orthodox sacred art and supporter of churches, was laid to rest on Saturday by a large assembly of clergy led by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești at Saint Anthony Church – Curtea Veche in Bucharest.
The bishop was joined in prayer by clergy from the Patriarchal Administration, the Archdiocesan Administration of Bucharest and numerous churches in the capital.
Bishop Varlaam conveyed a message of condolence from Patriarch Daniel of Romania.
The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church emphasised that Peter Peterson “dedicated the final part of his life to the preservation and collection of ecclesiastical heritage, which he made available to clergy, pilgrims and researchers at the Patriarchal Palace through a museum collection bearing his name”.
“This collection stands as testimony to a profound understanding of Romanian Christian art, belonging to a man who, although German by origin, understood Romanian Orthodox spirituality very deeply, choosing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism in the Orthodox Church and responsibly embrace a spiritual life,” Patriarch Daniel stated in the message.
“The Holy Eucharist kept him alive”
After the reading of the Patriarch’s message, Bishop Varlaam, who had personally known Peter Peterson, expressed admiration for the way he participated in the Divine Liturgy and for the joy visible on his face after receiving Holy Communion.
“After he began facing health problems, he firmly believed that the Holy Eucharist truly is, as the Saviour says, the true food that kept him alive for so long,” Bishop Varlaam said.
“I also met him at the Patriarchate during various solemn occasions. I was present at the blessing and inauguration of this museum collection and witnessed the extraordinary passion of a man who became so deeply attached and invested so much in collecting, conserving and protecting so many liturgical objects belonging to Romanian Orthodox spirituality.”
“Without doubt, the presence of so many priests here expresses gratitude for his acts of generosity, donations and support for the works undertaken in many of the parishes shepherded by the clergy serving together with us, towards which Mr Peter Peterson and the Peterson family showed great generosity,” the hierarch added.
His Grace concluded with a final prayer for the repose of the departed and with the Paschal greeting: “Christ is risen!”
Mr Peter Peterson’s body was also placed briefly in the museum space of the Patriarchal Palace, where the sacred art objects from his collection are kept in custody.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
