Anglican Church in Bucharest celebrates 100 Years of the existence of the Church Building

Located in the centre of Bucharest, this year, the Church of the Resurrection will celebrate one hundred years of the existence of the Church Building.
Work commenced on the building in 1913 due to the generosity and help of a dedicated Anglican community, including Queen Marie of Romania, without whose influence and drive it is possible that it would not have been constructed when it was. Prior to 1913 there had been a flourishing church but it was decided that a more permanent place of worship was required. Through the generosity of a local British business man the site was given to the British Government for the use of the Church and the construction of the Church building.

Work commenced, and the Church situate near Gradina Icoanei is now a land mark and Romanian monument as well as a building of architectural interest. The glazed brick building being the only one of its type in Bucharest, it brings students every year to study the uniqueness of its blend of British and Romanian styles.

The Church community has seen many developments over the last one hundred years. Queen Marie would attend the Church sitting at the rear as an ordinary person. Regularly every Sunday the chalice which she gave is still used in the communion services. The Church has many stories to tell but there is one hundred years of continuity.

Services have been held in the Church every Sunday since the building was consecrated except during the period in 1940’s when Bucharest was occupied by the Germans. Even during the communist regime services were held every Sunday come rain or shine. Fortunately even in that time the Church was free of pressure scandal and intrigue and provided a place of worship for the Anglican community and those who wished a different form of service. On Christmas day in 1989 people still tuned up in the morning to celebrate Christmas although that day the service was cancelled.
The Anglican Church is proud of its long association with Bucharest as well as its association with the Romanian Orthodox Church. Bucharest is seen by many priests as a step to greater things; many chaplains have gone on to high positions in the Church in England and it can boast in its alumni at least one archbishop (York). By the nature of its role in the community the chaplains tend to stay only for three years or their about, and this allows a rich program of worship to develop.

“The Church is home to many nationalities and as expatriates come and go the congregation gets larger or smaller but there has always been a loyal congregation here, carrying on the tradition started in 1913 of regular worship.” said Nicholas Hammond, Chairman of the Church Council.