US Embassy in Romania makes donation for fortified churches restoration

The US Embassy in Romania donated USD 59,300 to the Romanian Evangelical Church for the restoration works at three fortified churches in the Sibiu county, in central Romania, News.ro reported. The receiver of the donation was chosen following an international competition, which saw projects from all over Europe participate. The areas surrounding the cities of Sibiu and Medias host many of the remaining fortified Saxon churches in Transylvania. The Sibiu county is home to the fortified churches of Biertan (pictured), Viscri, Saschiz, Prejmer, Valea Viilor, Câlnic and Dârjiu, among others. Many have been declared UNESCO patrimony monuments. The cheque with the donation of the US Embassy was offered by ambassador Hans Klemm, who is currently visiting the Iacobeni commune in Sibiu county, where the 13

th

century Movile fortified church is found. The Movile church is one of the three that will be refurbished, alongside the ones in Agârbiciu and Daia. The restoration entails urgent repairing to the churches’ roofs. “Once a year we invite NGOs, institutions and churches to present proposals to preserve their culture and traditions. The bishop [e.n. of the Reinhardt Guib, the bishop of the Romanian Evangelical Church], and the team he is working with, entered a competition alongside other projects from all over Europe. We chose a small number of projects. The proposal itself, but also the importance of the cultural heritage here, have been chosen. I am very proud that I can donate on behalf of the American people a small sum of money to help support the churches,” ambassador Klemm said. According to bishop Guib, there are 160 fortified churches in Transylvania, but a small Saxon population left, who cannot support them. “For us, it is not only an honor but also a sign that the US Embassy in Romania cares not only about people but about democracy in Romania. We hope they will continue to support us, after the steps taken by the parliament, which are not at all auspicious. We hope they will continue their support so that justice stays independent, so that democracy and values are respected. At the same time, they support culture in Romania with this generous donation for the churches in Agârbiciu, Daia and Movile,” Guib said. Which is the most visited Saxon church in Romania? editor@romania-insider.com