“Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel” in Margine, Bihor

Although small, built of wood, they are true works of sacred art. Christian communities in villages and fairs were established around them, as well as monastic settlements. In their mysterious atmosphere, the spirit of our rural communities was born and sheltered. 

At Margine, the church is the Centre. It is dedicated to the “Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel” and it was built around 1700, being considered the oldest monument of this kind in Bihor County. You can see her from afar. Its slender tower rises to the sky, like a huge prayer, above the village. 

Just like old traditional houses in this village, it has a porch on the long side, where the entrance is, as well as one at the end facing the street. 

The church keeps intact the foot of the Holy Table in the altar, a model of folk sculpture, made of oak wood, decorated with different patterns. 

Around the wooden church, there is the old cemetery, a testimony of the first communities that lived here. 

An important figure who was born at Margine was Ovidiu Drimba, author of a vast work of history of the Romanian culture and civilization. And to whom, perhaps, this little church inspired his life and work.

The painting of the church dates from the end of the 18th century.

The iconostasis was painted in oil by Nechita the Painter in 1780. He closely observed the canons, using few colours and being a follower of the iconographic programme within the dogma limits. Among the themes captured on the iconostasis: Jesus Christ on the cross and the Prophets, the Holy Apostles, Jesus Christ blessing, the Feasts.  

The church was repainted by the painter Hackman Mor, at the end of the 19th century. He painted a lot of flowers and leaves, combining shades such as raw green and rusty purple, the clothing of the characters being made in strident colours. 

The church holds several valuable objects, including the oil iconostasis, almost 250 years old, as well as 6 icons painted on wood, an Antimis dating from 1750, a Homily from 1742, an Anthologion from 1745 and a Gospel from 1750.

The books and the archive from the old wooden church were moved to the new place of worship in Margine, but nowadays, many of them are either damaged or lost. Today, some of these books are still kept in museums. One such example would be the Little Octoechos, which is at the Library of the Romanian Patriarchate together with the rest of the manuscripts left behind by Gheorghe Ciuhandru. 

If you are still in the Margine village, it is worth making a trip to Marghita, part of the well-known Land of Țara Crișurilor. Here you can go to the thermal pool, but also to the Freedom Adventure Park, located in the forest on the outskirts of the city. Or you can choose to relax on a fishing trip. 

There are several fishing ponds at Marghita, true oases of greenery and tranquillity.

Throughout the year, Marghita hosts many events, such as Marghita Town Days, Marghita Autumn or the Christmas Fair.