Bonovox

ALEXANDRIA, VA [OCA Communications] — The Reverend George Calciu-Dumitreasa, rector of Holy Cross Church here, fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, 21 November 2006, after a short but difficult illness.

Born in 1925 in Mahmudia, Tulcea, Romania, father George studied at the Faculty of Medicine in Bucharest from 1946 until 1948, when he was imprisoned by the communist authorities for his Orthodox Christian morals and deep religious convictions. Sent for “reeducation” – a tactic used by the communist regime in an attempt to erase Christianity from Romania’s youth – he remained in prison until 1964, when he was released as a result of a general amnesty.

After his release from prison, he studied at the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy, from which he received a degree in French, after which he began work on his doctorate. During this time, strengthened by his sufferings in prison, he also studied theology and was ordained to the priesthood in January 1973.

Father George remained vocal in his criticism of the atheistic government and its allies, preaching the true faith and Christian morals to all who would listen. Many young people were drawn to his message. He taught French and New Testament studies at the Theological Seminary in Bucharest until he was abruptly dismissed in 1978 for speaking out in defense of religious freedom and human rights.

In 1979, Father George was again arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Severely mistreated and isolated from even family, news of his imprisonment aroused protests from the West, which eventually resulted in his early release in 1984. Still living under persecution by government and cooperative Church authorities, he managed to emigrate to the US in 1985 and was accepted into the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America the following year. Since 1989, he has served as rector of Holy Cross Church, serving the community there with love and dedication until his final breath.

Father George is known around the world for his sufferings and commitment to Christ in the face of persecution. He has written several books, contributed countless articles, and delivered many lectures on the subject over the years. To this day, his example continues to motivate countless faithful, especially young people, toward a renewed commitment to Christ and the Orthodox Church.

Father George is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Preoteasa Adriana, and their son Andrei and family.

Funeral information will be posted as it becomes available.

Condolences may be sent to Father George’s family at 6371 Birch Leaf Court, Burke VA 22015-3528.

May Father George’s memory be eternal!

From OCA News

My freind Seraphim, is a spiritual son.

"Mama Fred" also is a spiritual daughter

I like this story:

During my internment I served the Holy Liturgy every Sunday and Church holiday. At first the guards insulted me and beat me to make me give it up. I held fast and at last they left me alone. To their way of thinking I was crazy, but my craziness was the kind spoken of by Saint Paul: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent" (l Cor. l:l8-19).

It was Sunday and I was isolated. It was one of the days without food and I couldn't serve the Divine Liturgy because I had no bread. The Orthodox Liturgy is celebrated with bread and wine, and the central moment is then when the Holy Spirit descends and transforms bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ in a real though invisible way· From that moment our attitude towards the Holy Chalice is humble, loving and fearful, as inspired by the presence of the Saviour. In prison we had no wine, but we had bread and through necessity admitted by these extreme circumstances, my service was complete.

On that Sunday I asked the Lord to help me forget my sadness at the impossibility of serving the Holy Liturgy for lack of bread. Nevertheless, a thought came to me: to ask the guard for some bread.

The evil guard was on duty and I knew that my request would make him angry; he would insult me and he would ruin the peace I had in my soul for that holy day. But the thought persisted and grew so strong that I knocked on the iron door of the cell. A few minutes later the door was violently opened and the furious guard asked me what was the matter. I asked him for a piece of bread, no more than an ounce, for serving the Holy Liturgy.

My request seemed absurd to him; it was so unexpected that his mouth dropped open in amazement. He left slamming the door as violently a s he had opened it. Many other hungry prisoners asked him for bread, but I was the first to ask for bread in order to serve the Divine Liturgy.

I regretted my impulse.

Twenty minutes later the door of my cell opened half-way and quietly the guard gave me the ration for a whole day: four ounces of bread. He shut the door as quietly as he had opened it· And if I had not been holding the bread I would have thought that it was all an illusion.

This was the most profound and most sublime Holy Sacrament I have ever experienced. The service was two hours long and the guard did not disturb or insult me as at other times; the entire duration of the isolation section was peaceful.

Later, after I had finished the Liturgy and the fragrance of the prayer was still in my cell, the door opened quietly and the guard whispered:

"Father, don't tell anyone I gave you bread, or you'll ruin me."

"How could I tell this to anybody, mister first sergeant? You acted as an angel of God · ..because the bread you gave me became the Body of Christ. In so doing you served by my side, and your deed is now recorded in eternity. '

Without answering, he quietly shut the door, looking at me until the last moment. After that he never insulted me and during his eight hours of duty I had the most peaceful time of isolation.

From HERE

Remember him, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.......