The shrine of the Diocesan Cemetery “Saint Lazarus” in Cluj-Napoca and the blessing of the new church

On the Saturday of Saint and Righteous Lazarus, April 27, 2024, His Holiness Father Andrei, Archbishop of Vad, Feleac and Cluj and Metropolitan of Cluj, Maramureş and Sălaj, served at the Diocesan Cemetery “Saint Lazarus” in Cluj-Napoca, on the occasion of the dedication and blessing of the works performed until now at the new church of the cemetery.

From 9:30 a.m., His Holiness Father Andrei blessed the works carried out so far on the new church within the cemetery, dedicated to “Saint and Righteous Lazarus”, which was built in just two years and is almost completed, to be completed painting in the fresco technique.

Next, the hierarch celebrated the first Holy Liturgy in this place of worship, surrounded by a congregation of clerics. The council was attended by: the diocesan councilor on mission and protocol issues – archdeacon Claudiu Grama, archdeacon of Cluj II – priest Alexandru Constantin Ciui, director of Radio Renașteare – archdeacon Dan Văscu, priest Florin Ionuț Mărginean – administrator of the Diocesan Cemetery and serving priest of the church the cemetery, as well as other invited priests.

After the reading of the evangelical passage, Father Metropolitan Andrei spoke a word of teaching in which he affirmed that “The resurrection of Lazarus entrusts us with the resurrection of the commons”.

“The public resurrection heralds Lazarus Saturday, showing us all that a time will come when, like Lazarus, Christ will raise us to eternal life,” said His Eminence.

The liturgical responses were given by a group of students from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. At the chinonic, sisters Maria and Andreea Pavelean performed skillfully.

At the end of the Liturgy, according to the tradition of Lazarus Saturday, ÎPS Father Andrei officiated the service of the parish priest.

Priest Florin Ionuț Mărginean, administrator of the Diocesan Cemetery, thanked the hierarch for his presence and blessing, as well as all those involved in the process of building the church. As a sign of appreciation and gratitude, the hierarch presented him with an icon of Saint and Righteous Lazarus.

For the entire pastoral and administrative activity, His Holiness Father Archbishop and Metropolitan Andrei ordained priest Florin Ionuț Mărginean, with the right to wear the blue sash, as a sachelar. Also, the founder of the diocesan cemetery and the church, Mr. Dorin George Bob, and other benefactors received honorary diplomas.

Short history

The space of the Diocesan Cemetery in Cluj-Napoca was designed following the design principles of a generous park in vegetation that encourages retreat and reconnection both with nature and with loved ones who are no longer with us.

The cemetery covers an area of ​​22,500 square meters, having 11 sectors, with a capacity of over 2,500 graves, being located in the south-western part of Cluj-Napoca, on Calea Turzii street, no. 154 A. The administrator of the cemetery is priest Florin Ionuț Mărginean.

So far, 4 sections of graves have been laid out, the administrative headquarters has been built, which is composed of two air-conditioned rooms for vigils, a church store, administrative offices, a room for the organization of parastases, according to the tradition of the Orthodox Church. On November 20, 2021, His Holiness Father Andrei laid the foundation stone for the new church in the Diocesan Cemetery and blessed the work done on the administrative building. The event was part of the series of events dedicated to the year 2021, declared by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church as “Commemorative Year of those asleep in the Lord; the liturgical and cultural value of cemeteries”.

Currently, the church of the cemetery, dedicated to “Saint and Righteous Lazarus”, is being prepared to be painted in the fresco technique.

More photos HERE

Text and photo: Darius Echim / Mitropolia Clujului