The Ensemble of the Church "Dormition of the Mother of God" in Hilişeu-Crişan

The ensemble of the church dedicated to the "Dormition of the Mother of God" in Hilişeu-Crişan is one of the most remarkable constructions in the Moldavian region, overlooking the Herţa forests. The Orthodox place of worship with Catholic architectural elements still retains its unique form to this day, despite the delicate structure of lime wood.

Built on the site of an old nunnery, the construction stands out in the distance. Although it lacks the grandeur of great cathedrals, it greets you, like in ancient temples, with a row of unique statues in Romania. All are carved in stone, life-size, placed on the crenellation of the enclosure wall. In the center is depicted Jesus, flanked by two angels, holding the globe in one hand and blessing with the other. Next to Him is the assembly of the twelve Apostles arranged in tiers.

The one who made the construction of the church possible in 1802 is a boyar passionate about Christian art, Vasile Curt. Only an old well remains from his mansion; the rest has collapsed, but the church still stands today. For its uniqueness and permanence, it is worth visiting! As well as for the mystery, adornments, and history sheltered beyond its walls.

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Brief historical insight

In 1802, Vasile Curt supported the construction of this place of worship for the inhabitants of the area. Later, in 1859, Ana Curt initiated the construction of a bell tower, which turned out to be an exceptional architectural monument. It consists of a series of thirteen statues depicting the twelve Apostles, who are placed around Jesus Christ. The completion date of the building is inscribed "1902, May 21", discovered under a series of floral sculptures above the entrance door.

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Invaluable treasures

In the nave, there is a small pulpit, splendidly decorated and ornamented with icons, which takes us back to the archaic atmosphere of a world where etiquette and good taste were principles of life.

The iconostasis of the church is made of lime wood and consists of 7 rows of icons. These are framed in cylindrical columns with beautifully profiled bases and capitals adorned with vegetal sculptures, branches, leaves, and grapes, all gilded in gold. The icons of the saints are painted in Byzantine style.

The silver-framed icon of the Mother of God bears an inscription at the top: "Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God", and at the bottom: "This Holy Icon was made by the servants of God Alexandru, Anica, and their son, George, the Curt family, year 1857, March 11 days."

In the inventory of the church, there are also books belonging to the national cultural heritage, such as: the Bible, the Gospels, the Pentecostarion, the Triodion, the Lives of the Saints, the Typicon, or the Psalter.