In the village of Hăsnășenii Mari, located in the Drochia district of Moldova, a church that has stood for over two centuries faces an uncertain future. This historic place of worship, one of the oldest in the region, is in an advanced state of disrepair and risks collapse if urgent restoration efforts are not undertaken.
Currently, the church is used almost exclusively for funerals, a fact that deeply saddens its parish priest, Ioan Rusu. He laments that the church, which once served as a vibrant community hub, is now only active during moments of mourning. “This church was the one that united heaven and earth for our locality. Here, people gathered, worshipped, and thanked God. We want this holy place to be alive, not just when we bury our loved ones,” Rusu expressed. He noted that only two holy liturgies have been held in the last six years due to the church's deteriorating condition.
Valeriu Varmari, a history professor familiar with the church's background, provided insights into its storied past. According to Varmari, records from the Eparchy of Chișinău indicate that the church may have undergone repairs in 1782, but it was constructed much earlier, possibly during the reign of Stefan cel Mare. “This small church is one of the oldest on the territory of Moldova. It was originally built of wood in a traditional Moldovan style, which serves as evidence that it was constructed during the time of Stefan the Great,” he stated.
The church's significance extends beyond its age; it symbolizes the cultural and spiritual heritage of the local community. However, its current state raises concerns among residents and local authorities alike. Angela Moroșan, the mayor of Hăsnășenii Mari, revealed that efforts to secure funding for restoration have been thwarted. “This year, we applied for a project launched by GAL-Valea Cuboltei, but unfortunately, our request was denied due to the lack of a cadastral number. However, we are not giving up; we will apply again in the future,” Moroșan said.
The community feels the weight of the church's decline, with many residents expressing their desire for urgent interventions. Comments from locals reflect a shared sentiment: “It needs to be renewed; we have children and grandchildren to think about.” Another added, “It should have been renovated long ago. So many people have worked hard for this village; we have everything we need. It just needs a new roof to remain a memory from our parents.”
In light of the dire situation, the parish is reaching out for help. They are appealing for donations and direct involvement in the rehabilitation process. Those interested in contributing can contact Father Ioan Rusu at the phone number 069913076.
The church’s plight is a stark reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage in many parts of the world. As communities grapple with the challenges of maintaining historical sites, the story of the Hăsnășenii Mari church serves as a poignant example of the need for collective action to preserve these important landmarks.
As the clock ticks on the fate of this beloved church, the hope remains that with the right support and community involvement, it can be restored to its former glory. The church is not just a building; it is a testament to the history and spirit of the people of Hăsnășenii Mari, and its preservation is crucial for future generations.
