Relics of Brâncoveanu Family Martyrs Uncovered in Bucharest Church

Photo: basilica.ro

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA — The relics of three members of the Brâncoveanu royal family were uncovered March 4 at the Church of St. George the New: those of St. Maria Brâncoveanu and two of her sons, the holy martyrs Ștefan and Matei. The service included a memorial prayer for St. Maria and hymns dedicated to the Brâncoveanu martyrs.

St. Maria was canonized in July 2025 by the Romanian Orthodox Church along with fifteen other Romanian women of holy life, with their general proclamation held February 6 at the Patriarchal Cathedral. Her husband, St. Constantin Brâncoveanu, the ruler of Wallachia from 1688 to 1714, had previously been canonized together with their four sons, who were executed by the Ottomans in Istanbul after refusing to renounce their faith.

During the service, Bp. Timotei of Prahova described St. Maria as “a shining example of living the faith,” noting her patience, devotion to prayer, and generosity toward churches even after the family’s persecution. Church officials also recalled the “Path of Tears,” associated with her prayerful journeys between nearby monasteries after returning to Wallachia.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Romanian Orthodox Church exhumed relics of a recently canonized saint. 

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