A partially preserved icon discovered inside a home destroyed by fire has become a symbol of hope for a family with six children in Agafton, Botoșani County, after firefighters found it among the ruins.
“Sometimes, even after the greatest disaster, something remains to remind us not to lose hope. This icon was found by firefighters from Botoșani in a room engulfed in flames, where almost everything had been destroyed. It remained partially intact,” the Botoșani Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) wrote in a recent Facebook post.
The blaze destroyed the family home, built over many years of hard work. Firefighters noted that the image of the Christ Child on the icon remained untouched by the flames, describing it as a message of hope.
“For some, it may be a coincidence; for others, a sign. Regardless of how we choose to view this image, it reminds us that hope, faith, and the strength to move forward can survive even the hardest trials,” the emergency service said.
An icon painted by the children’s father
Presbytera Anamaria Macuc, the wife of Fr. Marian Macuc, parish priest of Pacea Church in Botoșani, has known the affected family for several years and has shared the story of the icon on social media.
“A miracle amid the ashes: Firefighters from Botoșani found an icon, painted by the children’s father, that remained partially intact. It is a living testimony that hope never dies and that this family is not alone,” she wrote.
“In just a few moments, the flames consumed the work, sacrifice and hopes of an extraordinary family: two faithful and hardworking parents and their five children, the youngest only two years old. The mother is now expecting their sixth child.”
Fifteen years of work lost
Anamaria Macuc explained that the family had spent 15 years building and furnishing their home, brick by brick, and appealed for public support to help them rebuild.
“Their story is one of daily sacrifice: fifteen years of labour to build this house for their children—five boys—brick by brick. The house was still unfinished. They saved every penny and rejoiced at every stage of the work, happy that they would finally have a home where their children could grow up.”
“Now, just as they were approaching the completion of important stages of construction, this tragedy struck. These people have never asked anyone for anything. They worked with faith and love, and today they stand powerless before this devastating reality.”
She encouraged anyone who could help to support the family through financial donations or by providing building materials.
“Let us not leave them alone in the face of this tragedy. Please share their story and help in whatever way you can.”
The appeal comes during the Solemn Year of the Pastoral Care of the Christian Family, proclaimed by the Romanian Patriarchate for 2026.
Fr Marian Macuc and his wife have long been involved in charitable work supporting families and mothers. Their parish operates a free social clothing bank and coordinates numerous volunteers who assist vulnerable families in Botoșani and the surrounding area.
How to help
Contact the family
Telephone: +40 754 377 077
Donations at Pacea Church
Donations marked “burned house” may be left at St Irene House of Pacea Church in Botoșani, from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:20 p.m.
Volunteer contact: +40 722 179 366
Bank transfer
Account (IBAN): RO85BTRLRONCRT0288072801
Account holder: Dascălu Roxana Simona
Bank: Banca Transilvania
Photo: Facebook / Inspectoratul pentru Situații de Urgență Botoșani – ISU Botoșani
