The Romanian Parish of Olbia plans to build an oratory and playground, an access road, a parking area, and a parish house near the wooden church, which the local press has described as a “gilded jewel.”
These projects can begin following the concession of an additional 6,000 square meters, provided free of charge by the City Hall of Olbia. The contract was signed on Monday, August 5.
Children at the core of future projects
Children are at the heart of the future projects. The oratory, a concept borrowed from Western tradition, is a space dedicated to the Christian education of young people. It features areas for catechism, playrooms, and sports. Similar spaces are organized in parishes nationwide and are called youth centres.
“The oratory will serve all children for catechism, to learn the Romanian language, and many other activities related to national holidays or Romanian customs,” explained Parish Priest Marian Găină to Basilica.ro.
“Our parish is made up of many young families. We have about 20-25 children receiving communion at each service.”
Father Marian Găină mentioned that these initiatives are currently in the project stage, but securing the land was crucial. Funds are needed to realize these projects, and those who wish to help can do so using the bank details at the end of this article.
The wooden Orthodox church of Olbia
The Olbia Parish was established in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2021 that they secured their own space where the wooden church, built in the Maramureș style, was constructed.
Built during the pandemic, the little church drew the attention of the local press last year after it was highlighted with architectural lighting. The publication Olbiapuntoit described the new place of worship for Romanian Orthodox Christians as “a gilded jewel” and “a real fairy tale wonder.”
Go on a virtual tour inside the church!
You can donate
For those who wish to support these projects, the parish provides the following bank account:
BANK: INTESA SANPAOLO S.P.A.
IBAN: IT11 E030 6909 6061 0000 0173 673
PARISH: PAROCCHIA ORTODOSSA ROMENA “SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA”
Photo: olbia.it
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