Archbishop Irineu of Alba Iulia said on Sunday at Aiud Monastery that the martyrs of the communist prison in Aiud transformed their prison hell into a spiritual ascent.
Speaking on the monastery’s patronal feast, the archbishop recalled the sacrifice of those who endured persecution in communist prisons.
“Today we remember with reverence all Romanians who suffered terribly in the communist prison at Aiud. They carried in their hearts the words of the Saviour: ‘Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul,’” he said.
“Through faith in God and love of country, the prisoners at Aiud transformed the hell of imprisonment into a spiritual ascent. They remain for us a living example of bearing the cross with admirable patience. May their memory endure from generation to generation,” the archbishop added.
Martyrs Pray for Us
Archimandrite Gavriil Vărvăruc, abbot of Aiud Monastery, also stressed the importance of remembrance.
“For each of us it is important to revisit these moments of our history, of the Romanian people, and to draw closer spiritually by honouring these martyrs, who continually pray for our souls,” he said.
“In the difficult times we are facing, prayer is essential, especially during the period of Great Lent,” the abbot told Trinitas TV.
The Third Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Holy Cross, also marked the conclusion of the 12th National Symposium on Martyrology, held on 13–14 March at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of Alba Iulia and at Holy Cross Monastery, Aiud.
Photo: Archdiocese of Alba Iulia
