Focșani Military Chapel

About

The Focșani Military Chapel (Romanian: Capela Militară Focșani) is a Romanian Orthodox church located at 22 Unirii Boulevard in Focșani, Romania. Nowadays, it is a parish church dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helena. The church is located in the Wallachian part of the city, on the site of a well ordered installed in 1696 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu.

In 1810, Serdar Costache Robescu laid the cornerstone for what would become known as the Robescu Church, adjacent to his mansion. Despite the family’s patronage, it had become a ruin by the end of the 19th century. The 1838 Vrancea earthquake cracked the spire, while an 1854 fire damaged the church and the adjacent building which housed liturgical objects.

In 1893, the Robescu heir of the day donated the ruined church and annexes to the local military garrison, together with 6,000 lei for repairs. The War Ministry carried out a renovation, also using funds from donors and garrisoned troops. The building served as a military chapel from 1893 until 1948; shortly after a communist regime was established.

The chapel suffered serious damage during the 1940 Vrancea earthquake. Repairs were carried out by soldiers between 1941 and 1943...