On the Patrimony of the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Communist Regime. Some Aspects

Abstract

The study examines the extension of state control over the assets of the Romanian Orthodox Church during the Communist period of Romanian history. The author examines the topic by separately presenting norms and measures applied to immovable, and then to movable assets which were nationalised or taken under state control based on various legislative measures and pretexts. In the study the process by which the land and immovable assets, both of an ecclesiastical use, and used for supporting educational and other church activities is examined. The measures taken against the land and forestry assets held by the Romanian Orthodox Church by way of its institutions (parishes, monasteries etc.) is presented, as well as the fate of some church buildings. The author also examines the various measures aimed at bringing movable assets of the Romanian Orthodox Church under state control, including by confiscation, and forced inclusion into museum collections.