The Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Brusturi, located in Neamț County, eastern Romania, was constructed on the grounds where a tragic event took place 80 years ago during World War II. This event resulted in the loss of around 14,000 Romanian, Russian, and German soldiers in a single night.
To honor their memory, the monastery is preparing a memorial that will be consecrated on the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a day dedicated to commemorating national heroes. The service will be officiated by Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina.
The abbot, Siluan Antoci, revealed that archives have provided over 500 names, some of which have never been mentioned before. He expressed his surprise at the significance of every hilltop in the area, each soaked with the blood of heroes who sacrificed for their country.
“It would be fitting for us to show gratitude, bow our heads, and offer a prayer in their honor. Because of their sacrifice, we have our language, our freedom to worship, and the ability to pray in these sacred places,” added Abbot Siluan Antoci.
The monastery in Brusturi was initially established as a hermitage in 1992 under the guidance of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, during his time as Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina. It was later granted the status of a monastery in 2007.
Photography courtesy of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Monastery
Source: basilica.ro