A bust of Romania’s national poet Mihai Eminescu was unveiled last Sunday during the patronal feast of the “Descent of the Holy Spirit” and “Saint Theodora of Sihla” Parish in Michigan, one of the oldest Romanian communities in the Detroit metropolitan area.
Sculptor Cristi Bota, a native of Boian in Northern Bukovina, created the bronze bust. This is his first work cast in bronze since taking refuge in the United States due to the war in Ukraine, reports BucPress, a news agency based in Chernivtsi.
Bota, a graduate of the “George Enescu” National University of Arts in Iași, is known for numerous sculptures honoring Romanian figures, eight of which are displayed in Chernivtsi. He also created a bust of Avram Iancu in the United States, inaugurated last year in Canton, Ohio.
Parish school under construction
Three priests conducted the blessing ceremony. The cultural moment was enriched by a presentation from Andreea Bordeianu, a lecturer at Oakland University, who discussed artistic depictions of Mihai Eminescu over the 136 years since his passing.
The bust was installed between the church and the future parish school, which is currently under construction. The Romanian educational center will bear Eminescu’s name.
The project was financially supported by the family of Luminița and Ștefan Străjeri, along with Gheorghe Chindriș and Petru Stinea. Thanks to their efforts, Cristi Bota was able to bring the project to fruition after more than a year of planning and delays.
The event concluded with a folk performance by the “Bujor Românesc” Group, composed of parish members, who delighted the audience in the church’s Social Hall.
Father Stefan Vlad is the community’s parish priest. The Romanian church’s address is 31500 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI, United States, Michigan, and its Facebook page is accessible here.
Photo: Facebook / BucPress
