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| Romanian Icon Painted on Glass |
Each visit to Bucharest I find myself standing in front
of magnificent structures nestled in unexpected corners of the vibrant city.
This time two churches come to mind that bear the St. Nicholas name…different
in architecture and existence.
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| St. Nicholas Russian Church, Bucharest Romania |
One Russian, located in central Bucharest, by University
Square also known as “Students Church”, built in 1905 with funds from Emperor
Nicholas II.
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| Biserica Kretzulescu, Bucharest |
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| Kretzulescu Church Interior, Bucharest |
The other, Kretzulescu Church in Romanian Renaissance
Brancovenesque Architecture, built in 1720, witness to three centuries of
Romanian history including the 1989 Revolution when it protected the
revolutionaries fighting against Communism.
Several bullet holes are marking the façade with the eternal
memory of the sacrifice.
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| Corneliu Coposu Bust Sculpture by Romanian Sculptor Mihai Buculei |
As Orthodox Christians we venerate St. Nicholas on this
day of December 6, each year with love, joy and ancient rituals.
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| St. Nicholas With His White Horse |
In Romanian traditions, St. Nicholas at times appears with a white horse, symbolizing the first snow falling in December
and is admired and venerated for his many miracles…. guards the sun who tries
to flee past him to the realms of the north and leave the world without light
and heat, stomps the devil, controls the waters as the patron of sailors saving
them from drowning, protects soldiers in war, so they call upon him during
battles, helps widows, orphans and poor girls without dowry who want to marry.
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| Orthodox Icon of St. Nicholas The Wonderworker |
The Miracles of Saint Nicholas are many and well known,
that is why he was chosen as the protector of children, and sailors, the bakers,
the victims of the injustice of the judiciary system.
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| St. Nicholas Icon Sailor Miracle Saviour |
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| Fra Angelico St. Nicholas Painting |
The night before December 6, children in Romania set
their shoes and boots by the door, shined and cleaned waiting for the visit of
St. Nicholas during the night…if they were good, the shoes would be filled with
gifts the next morning.
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| Apple Branches |
Some may also find a small twig from an apple tree, a
more physical reminder to be good. The branches are set in water afterwards to
blossom in the warmth of the home, symbol of forgiveness and love.
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| Traditional Romanian Table Setting |
The families throughout Romania, gather on this day to celebrate with traditional meals.
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| Traditional Paltinis, Sibiu Appetizer Platter |
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| Wild Mushroom Soup |
The family feast includes traditional Romanian dishes,
spirits and wine with regional specific ingredients and flavors.
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| Grilled Meat and Polenta Bulz |
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| Ardeal Bread |
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| Palinca Distillery Production |
I learned the tradition of plum brandy production of tuica, palinca as it is called in other regions of Romania from my Transylvanian grandfather Ilie, in Saliste, Sibiu.
The art of spirit making has been cherished and improved from generation to generation.
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| Plum Palinca Camara Zanelor |
Camara Zanelor Palinca Oas, Romania
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| Bucovina Pastry |
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| Transylvanian Side of Pork Roasted on The Open Fire |
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| Tochitura Polenta and Egg |
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Traditional Transylvanian Foods
Pofta Buna! |
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