- Why is the Stavropoleos Church important?
- Cantemir Connection
- The Legend of the name Stavropoleos
- The Legend of the Secret Garden
- The story of the relics
- Miraculous Healings
Why is the Stavropoleos Church important?
The Stavropoleos Church, located in the center of Bucharest, Romania, is a historical monument and a gem of religious architecture. Throughout its history, the Stavropoleos Church has been an important cultural and religious center, housing a nunnery and emphasizing the study and promotion of art and culture. The church stands out for its traditional Romanian architecture, with elements from Brancovene, and for its beautiful inner courtyard, where there is an old library.
Cantemir Connection
Prince Dimitrie Cantemir was an important scholar and ruler of Moldavia who lived in the 17th century. He was known for his significant contributions to the fields of history, philosophy, music, and literature. Cantemir was also a highly influential political leader in Moldavia and served as ruler of Moldavia twice, in separate periods.
Cantemir is associated with the Stavropoleos Church in Bucharest due to his contributions to the renovation and restoration of the church in the 17th century. He is said to have been a generous supporter of the Stavropoleos Church and financed the construction and renovation works of the holy place. The church was originally built in the 18th century, and Prince Cantemir supported the renovation and development efforts of the church, thus contributing to its restoration and beauty.
Prince Cantemir was a man of rich culture and passion for learning, and this was reflected in his contributions to the development of the Stavropoleos Church and culture in general. The church became an important cultural and religious center that promoted study and learning at that time.
The Legend of the name Stavropoleos
This church has an interesting legend attached to its name. Legend has it that the name “Stavropoleos” comes from the Greek words “Stavros” (cross) and “Polis” (city), meaning “City of the Cross”. It is said that the founder of the church, Abbess Elena, dreamed that the Holy Cross indicated to her the place where to build the church. This legend contributed to the church’s name and its association with the significance of the cross in religion.
The Legend of the Secret Garden
It is said that Abbess Elena, the founder of the Stavropoleos Monastery, had a secret garden behind the church, in the courtyard of the monastery, where she grew rare flowers and medicinal plants. This garden was a place of peace and contemplation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and was used by the nuns to retreat in prayer and meditation.
The history of this garden is accompanied by stories of how Abbess Elena created a well-kept space full of rare flowers and medicinal plants. It is said that this garden was a place of joy and beauty, which added a special touch to the Stavropoleos monastery. The nuns of the monastery took care of the garden, and it became a symbol of beauty, tranquility, and kinship with nature.
Over time, the Stavropoleos Church and its garden remained an oasis of beauty and spirituality in Bucharest’s agglomeration. This picturesque spot has contributed to the charm and historical importance of the church and has been a place of worship and reflection for the faithful throughout the centuries. Today, the garden and the church are still open to visitors and remain an important symbol of Romanian tradition and culture.
The story of the relics
It is said that the Stavropoleos Church housed part of the relics of Saint Dimitrie, who is one of the patron saints of Bucharest. This holy relic has attracted pilgrims and believers throughout the centuries.
In the nave of the church, next to the iconostasis, in a chest, there are particles from the relics of some saints in the Eastern Church: Saint Andrew the Apostle, Saint Peter the Apostle, Saint Martyr Ignatius Theophorus, Saint Martyr Justin the Philosopher, Saint Hierarch Vasile M Pantelimon, the Holy Martyr Teodor Stratilat, the Holy Martyr Haralambie.
Miraculous Healings
There are local legends that say that sick people who visited the church experienced miraculous healings or that their prayers were answered there.
