Romanian MPs Recognized a Murdered Priest as a Martyr and National Hero
276 deputies voted to recognize a priest martyred during the war years as a national hero.
The Romanian Parliament has officially recognized Archpriest Aurel Munteanu, martyred in 1940, as a national martyr and hero of the country. As reported by Basilica.ro, the bill was supported by 276 parliamentarians, and the document has now been sent to the president for signing.
Under the new provisions, Romania has also established the Day of the Romanian Martyrs of Huedin, to be commemorated annually on September 10 — the day of the priest's death. On this day, authorities and cultural institutions are entitled to hold memorial ceremonies and academic events both within the country and abroad.
Archpriest Aurel Munteanu became renowned for his spiritual, social, and educational work in the Huedin region. He built churches, founded schools and cultural journals, and represented the faithful in the first parliament of Greater Romania.
In September 1940, when the region was occupied by Horthyist authorities, the priest refused to leave his flock despite entreaties. On September 10, 1940, Horthyist extremists seized, tortured, and brutally murdered the clergyman. The Dean of Huedin, Dan Lupuțan, called the parliament's decision "an act of historical justice."
As the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported, the Romanian Church will include Saint Gabriel Urgebadze in its calendar.
