On the feast day of the Holy Brâncoveanu Martyrs, the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Bucharest’s “Lady Bălașa” Church, a church founded by one of the daughters of Wallachia’s Prince Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu.
“Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu was an unwavering witness of the Orthodox Christian faith and a promoter of Romanian culture,” said His Grace on August 16. The Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop reflected on the life of Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu and the history of the church in the capital, built in his eternal memory.
Legacy of Martyrdom and Cultural Heritage
“His cultural legacy gained even greater spiritual symbolic value through his martyrdom,” the bishop added. He further explained that we are called to contemplate the icon of the Brâncoveanu Martyrs and to reflect not only on their martyrdom but also on the profound significance of their sacrifice, rooted in divine grace.
“Looking at the icon that presents the faces of the Brâncoveanu Martyrs for veneration, we consider their martyrdom. Martyrs may be imagined as heroes, but the fundamental aspect of martyrdom is not just courage in the face of death, but the grace of God.”
History of “Lady Bălașa” Church
Bishop Paisie of Sinaia also recounted the history of “Lady Bălașa” Church, founded by the sixth daughter of Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu. “Inheriting from her father the resilience of the Brâncoveanu family, Lady Bălașa carried throughout her life the unhealed wound of her family’s martyrdom with dignity,” he said.
“Exiled and enduring unimaginable pain and humiliation, with her family’s wealth confiscated, Lady Bălașa never forgot her homeland, to which she returned three years after the execution of her father and brothers.”
The bishop added that God granted her and her husband, the Great Ban Manolache Lambrino, more peaceful days towards the end of their lives.
“Throughout history, this church has had significant servants: bishops, priests, doctors, musicians, and other illustrious personalities important to our history.”
Recent Restoration and Ongoing Legacy
In conclusion, the bishop spoke about the church’s recent history, which was elevated to the rank of Patriarchal metochion in 2008 and fully restored between 2018 and 2020. “Let us also pray to the Brâncoveanu Martyrs to grant us the strength of their faith and the power to confess Christ, for the glory of God and our salvation,” he added.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop blessed the recently established outdoor altar and a candle holder.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
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