A memorial service for the victims of the Colectiv nightclub fire was held last week at the roadside cross erected in front of the former club, marking ten years since the tragedy.
The service was held on Thursday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fabrica Pionerul – Parcul Bucur access area in Bucharest’s Sector 4, by an assembly of priests from the state cemeteries, led by Father Ionuț Bărbulescu, dean of Sector 4.
“We officiated the memorial service for the young people who never had the chance, and will never have the chance, to grow old,” the protopresbyter said.
“We prayed that God may place them where, as the Church’s prayers say, there is the never-ageing happiness — in His Kingdom,” he added.
Nearby, at the “Saint Nicholas” – Broșteni Church, the Divine Liturgy had been celebrated earlier.
Living memory
Such memorial services have been held annually since 2015 to keep alive the memory of the 64 young people who lost their lives.
Among the first to arrive at the scene on the night of 30–31 October 2015 was an Orthodox priest, Father Vasile Bîrleanu, who serves at the ISU – Dealul Spirii Chapel, and who assisted both victims and rescuers.
The Church provided material support to Colectiv survivors, offering food and sanitary products in four hospitals in Bucharest. Victims and their families also received financial assistance through the Archdiocese of Bucharest and through other dioceses.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
