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St. Epictetus and Astion, lights that help us discover God: Hram at the chapel of an old Bucharest cemeterytranslated

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

St. Epictetus and Astion, the oldest known martyrs in Romania, were honored on Monday at the chapel of the "Izvorul Nou" cemetery in Bucharest. The Holy Liturgy was officiated by Father Lică Lepădatu, parish priest of the community "St. Gheorghe" - Grivița in the north of the Capital.

Father Viorel Petcu, the minister of the chapel, and two military priests were part of the cathedral: Fr. Gheorghe Neagu and Fr. Gabriel Cireșoiu. All those who rest in the "Izvorul Nou" Cemetery were mentioned in the litanies at the Holy Liturgy.

Lights that reveal God to us Father Lică Lepădatu, parish priest of the community "St. Gheorghe" - Grivița in the north of the Capital, officiated the Holy Liturgy. Photo: Chapel "St. Epictetus and Astion" "Today we came here called by the Holy Martyrs Epictetus and Astion", said Father Lică Lepădatu in his teaching speech. "Today they invited us to the Holy Altar, to bring glory to God, thanksgiving and to make contact once again with their life and martyrdom."

The priest emphasized that St. Priest Epictetus and his disciple, St. Astion the monk, did not go on a pleasure trip to discover the world, but went on a mission: "First of all, to...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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Цветанка Илиева

I really liked that they named everyone who rests in "Izvorul Nou" in the litanies. It is good to remember these old martyrs from our lands, especially since they are the earliest. I thank Father Lika Lepadatu for his speech, he always speaks simply and clearly.

Мариана Иванова

It's good that they changed everyone who rests in "Izvorul Nou" to litanies - that's right. I also liked how Father Lika Lepadatu said that they did not go for a walk, but for a mission. Thanks for the word, it is always clear and close to the mind.