Holy Cross Church – Csíkszereda (Miercurea Ciuc)
History
It was built between 1751 and 1758, and was consecrated in 1784 in honor of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Originally, the church was surrounded by a protective wall, which offered both spiritual and physical shelter to the faithful.
The details surrounding the church’s construction are not well documented. The main surviving source is a partially preserved 1866 manuscript known as the "Descriptio Parochialis", which suffered significant damage in a 1916 fire that destroyed the rectory.
The rectory was rebuilt in 1928, and the church underwent restoration beginning in 1933 with the financial support of the Altar Society (Oltáregylet).
In autumn 1944, both the church and rectory were looted by Soviet soldiers. Later, in June 1979, the sacristy was set on fire by unknown individuals, causing further damage.
Despite these hardships, the church remained an active center of religious life. The first major post-war religious event occurred in 1949, when Bishop Áron Márton celebrated a solemn Mass and Confirmation ceremony here—an act of spiritual resilience under communist oppression.Style
The Holy Cross Church is built in Baroque style, characterized by curved facades, rich ornamentation, and a harmonious layout.
The main altar, dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, features a crucifix and accompanying altarpiece, both attributed to Antal Schuchbauer, a renowned 18th-century Transylvanian artist. His work reflects the expressive, emotional depth typical of Baroque ecclesiastical art.Famous residents
Among the church’s most precious religious artifacts is a Gothic crucifix from around 1470, dating back to the reign of King Matthias Corvinus. The crucifix features the figure of the “Blessing Christ”, and the four arms of the cross are decorated with the symbols of the Four Evangelists—lion (Mark), ox (Luke), angel (Matthew), and eagle (John).
Another unique item is the “Book of the Marian Congregation”, bound in red velvet, with a wooden cover adorned with gilded silver fittings. This book was produced before 1731 in the Franciscan monastery of Csíksomlyó, and remains a significant relic of Marian devotion in Székelyföld.Present day
Due to the growing number of worshippers, an interim wooden chapel, nicknamed the “wooden church” (deszkatemplom), was erected in 1981 within the churchyard to accommodate outdoor services. This structure was relocated in 2003 to a new residential area beneath the Szécseny Forest, where it continues to serve as a chapel.
Between 2004 and 2006, both the Holy Cross Church and the rectory underwent comprehensive restoration. The works included structural reinforcements, full interior refurbishing, restoration of religious art, altars, and the church organ.
