In the northwest of Dobrogea, the Măcin massif rises suddenly from the flat terrain. The Danube changes its course in the Pisicii Bend, and Dobrogea opens its "gates" towards Muntenia and Moldova, separating us from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The road from Galati to Tulcea follows the Bugeac hill to the foot of the mountains and branches off towards Măcin.
On the Dobrogean bank of the Danube, near Garvăn, is the Dinogetia Monastery, located close to the ruins of the Romano-Byzantine fortress Dinogetia. This area has a history related to its strategic position, being inhabited by the Geto-Dacians before being occupied by the Romans.
Around the fortress of Dinogetia, numerous brothels and stone and brick constructions were discovered. The inhabitants were engaged in agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry and hunting. The area, coveted by many conquerors, was abandoned in the 12th century due to repeated destruction.
In the 3rd-4th centuries, the Romans built the fortress of Dinogetia, whose walls lasted until the 6th century. The fortress appears on the Roman map Tabula Peutingeriana, located between Troesmis and Delta.
Rebuilt by the Byzantines in the 10th-11th centuries, Dinogetia became an important commercial, craft, religious and cultural center on the Lower Danube.
Two places of worship were discovered in the citadel: a paleo-Christian basilica from the IV-VI centuries and a small church from the XI-XII centuries, known under the toponym "Bisericuta". This had fragments of fresco and walls of rough stone and brick.
A golden reliquary cross from the 11th-12th centuries was discovered in the fortress, suggesting the existence of a bishop's chair. Also, a lead seal of the Greek Metropolitan of Kiev indicates an important religious connection. Fragments of fabric embroidered with gold and silver thread were found in the graves around the church.
The presence of a hierarch suggests the existence of a well-structured church life. The Dinogeteia Monastery was established to perpetuate the monastic life in the area.
In the Martyrology of Hieronymus, several martyrs are mentioned on May 14 and October 1. The Catholic Archbishop of Bucharest, Raymund Netzhammer, mentions in his diary from 1921 the visit to the ruins of the Dinogetia fortress and the prayers to the holy martyrs there.
The Dinogetea Monastery was founded on September 1, 2004, with the patron saint "The Source of Healing". It is located near Garvăn, close to Galați, and was consecrated by the Archbishop of Tomis.
Close to the Dinogetia citadel, the monastery offers a panorama over four localities: Galați, Grindu, Giurgiulesti and Reni. The continuation of church life in this area is desired.
The monastery is home to five living, under the guidance of Proto-Singel Filimon Pavel, a former political prisoner. The current abbot is Hieromonk Alexei Toader.
The monastery functions in a single body, including a chapel and several cells. Starting in May 2015, work began on the monastic complex, which will include a church, belfry, cells, conference hall and library.
Sursa: www.manastireadinogetia.ro
