Remembering The Departed...A Tradition That Remains Vibrant "Mosii De Iarna"

Offerings For The Departed

Every year, on the Saturday before Judgement Sunday, Orthodox Christians in Romania remember the loved ones that passed away.

Basket With Offerings

According to popular tradition, this celebration is called "Winter’s Elders" or "Saturday of The Dead."

Remembering The Departed

On this day in church we remember people who have not had a funeral by ordained priests and all departed as well.

According to ancient traditions in some areas of the country it is believed that old souls of the dead come this day on earth, while the believers give as offerings cooked food for the spirits to elude them.

Traditional Offering Of Coliva, Light And Pastry

Passed away souls come to feed and delight on the scent and aromas of dishes that are simmering, so they may remember and savor the rest of the year.

 

Offering Of Sarmale, Breads And Wine

On this day the ancient tradition is to give cabbage rolls, pie, wine, coliva, nut rolls, or even fruit and lit candles.

Bringing Light To The Grave

The graves of relatives are visited and blessed with light, at least two candles, which are intended to warm the souls of the dead.

Light For The Souls

The Great Blessing of Water…..Theophany

Theophany

Today the Romanian Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany or also known in old Greek as Theophany. It marks the end of the 12 Days of Christmas and the Lord's baptism by St.John in the Jordan river as well as the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove confirming the truth of His word.

On the eve of Epiphany, the villagers prepare a traditional feast similar to the Christmas Eve meal. Until the arrival of the priest to bless the home with Holy Water, or Chiraleisa, nobody touches the food but immediately after the blessing of the table some of the dishes are added to the feed of the farm animals "to be protected from disease and for good breeding".

Blessing Of Bread With The Sign Of The Cross

Coliva

Bacon Rolls

 Potato Chicken Ciorba

Paprika Garlic Pork Stew

On the day of Epiphany water sanctification occurs during the liturgy as a remembrance of the Jordan river's healing waters.

The preparation of this event is very carefully selected in every community in accordance with the local and regional traditions. 

The location of the blessing is selected with the village priest, usually a larger space which is at least near a fountain, in the immediate vicinity of a river, in the household of local parishioner or in the church yard.

Holy Water

Water is brought and placed in large wooden vessels and blessed. After the consecration of Holy Water, every villager takes some to their home for blessing of the household. 

Blessing of the Water

On their way back they shout "Chiraleisa"-as they pass the fields for abundance, air purification and larger harvests and pour a little Holy Water in the fountains found on the way.

Once home , the people bless with Holy Water the barns, animals, orchard trees, house and interiors for the New Year.

Going to Get Holy Water

Christening or baptism of horses is a Romanian folk ritual hundreds of years old.

There is a belief that all horses baptized on this day with sprinkles of Holy Water by the priest, will be healthy "free of diseases and protected".

Baptism of Horses

Maramurs Horse

Dressed for Church

In Transylvania in an ancient tradition, the men named John are "baptized" the following day of January 7, in honor of St.John the Baptist.

St. John The Baptist Day

Evloghia Choir

         
Travel Like An Artist

Agapia Retreat

Rolling hills gently covered with a green velvet shawl…woods and meadows are guiding us.

The blue drape of the sky is turning angry, stormy clouds are floating ready to burst; a soft veil of rain softens the horizon.

Just in time to take shelter…Agapia Monastery will be our retreat for few days under the blessing of Archangels Michael and George and the sweet, gentle nuns that live, pray and work here.

Agapia Monastery, Moldova

Built in 1644, painted in 1858 by young Romanian painter Nicolae Grigorescu, Agapia is an architectural jewel filled with history and rich Moldavian traditions.

Nicolae Grigorescu Frescoes

 It suffered fire damage during the centuries, a couple of churches and living structures are now on the property.

Monastery Rooms

For lodging at the monastery contact:

Agapia Monastery

Mother Superior: Stavrofora Olimpiada Chiriac

Adress: Agapia, Judetul Neamt, postal code 617010,  Romania

Tel.: + 40 (233) 244736

e-mail: cancelarie@agapia.neamt.ro

Old Agapia Monastery

Map of the Agapia Area

                                          Voyages of Discovery

The crisp cool linens in our room are inviting, scent of pine and flowers from the veranda fill the space, crickets will be witnesses to our dreams.