Darvari Monastery
Darvari Skete is a Romanian Orthodox monastic establishment in Bucharest, Romania, dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Originally built as a family chapel in 1834 by Mihalache Darvari, it evolved into a skete with the arrival of nuns and later monks. The current church was constructed in the 1930s in an Oltenian-Muntenian style, with its interior adorned in Athonite fresco.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1834 by Mihalache Darvari as a family chapel.
- ›Dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
- ›The current church was built in 1933-1934 in an Oltenian-Muntenian architectural style.
- ›The interior frescoes were painted by Iosif Keber in the Athonite style.
- ›Declared a historic monument in 1992.
- ›Reopened as an active monastic establishment in 1996.
Oltenian-Muntenian
Athonite Frescoes, Relics of Saints, Burial of Ktetor Darvari
Schitul Darvari
Mihalache Darvari, Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Nicolae Darvari, Gheorghe Simotta, Iosif Keber
- Nuns Brought From PasăRea and SamurcășEșTi Monasteries In 1835.
- Nuns Expelled From the City In 1864.
- Monks From Prodromos Visited and Some Stayed In 1869.
- Communist Regime Sent Monks Away In 1959.
- Declared A Historic Monument In 1992.
About Darvari Monastery
Darvari Skete
Darvari Skete is a Romanian Orthodox monastic establishment situated at 3 Schitul Darvari Street in Bucharest, Romania. The skete is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Its history began in 1834 when Mihalache Darvari, a tax collector, constructed a modest church without a dome behind the Icoanei Church. This structure, enclosed by monastic cells and walls, initially served as a private family chapel.
In the year following its construction, nuns from the Pasărea and Samurcășești monasteries were relocated to Darvari. However, in 1864, Domnitor Alexandru Ioan Cuza ordered their removal from the city, leading to services being conducted by married priests thereafter. The skete saw a resurgence in monastic activity in 1869 when monks from Prodromos visited, officiating in the style of Mount Athos and drawing considerable attention. A few of these monks chose to remain, contributing to the site's spiritual life.
The original church fell into disrepair and was completely demolished between 1933 and 1934. It was replaced by the current structure, designed by architect Gheorghe Simotta. The architectural style employed was Oltenian-Muntenian, and the entire interior was adorned with Athonite frescoes executed by Iosif Keber. The monastic community faced another disruption in 1959 when the communist regime relocated the monks to Cernica Monastery and Bucium, with Darvari becoming a subsidiary of Icoanei Church. The complex was officially recognized for its historical significance when it was declared a historic monument in 1992. By 1996, Darvari Skete reopened its doors as an active monastic establishment, welcoming eight young monks.
The church itself is a small, cross-shaped building measuring 19 by 8 meters. It features an octagonal dome positioned on a square base above the nave. The porch has remained closed since the initial construction. The founder, Ktetor Darvari, is interred in the western section of the interior. Within the church, small silver boxes contain relics of several saints, including John Chrysostom, Charalambos, Ignatius of Antioch, Eleftherios, Gerasimus of the Jordan, and Ambrose. The monastic cells, chapel, and refectory were completed in 2001, further enhancing the complex's facilities.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Darvari Skete founded?
Darvari Skete's origins trace back to 1834 when Mihalache Darvari built a small church to serve as a family chapel. The skete developed over time, with the current church structure being built between 1933 and 1934.
Who is Darvari Skete dedicated to?
The skete is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. These celestial beings are honored as the patrons of the monastic community and its church.
What is the architectural style of Darvari Skete's church?
The current church, built in the 1930s, features an Oltenian-Muntenian architectural style. The interior is notable for its Athonite-style frescoes.
Has Darvari Skete always been an active monastery?
While initially established as a private chapel and later inhabited by nuns and monks, services were held by married priests for a period. The communist regime disrupted monastic life in 1959, but it was reopened as an active monastic establishment in 1996.
What are some notable features within the church?
The church contains the burial place of Ktetor Darvari on the west end. Small silver boxes display relics of various saints, including John Chrysostom and Ignatius of Antioch.
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