Dobrogea - The Foundation of Spirituality

Dobrogea, an alienated land, conquered and reconquered for centuries, the extreme of the East, is a gateway to the sea through which colonists entered who exemplified the imperialist idea, brought Greek culture and implemented Christianity.

The Cocoș Monastery, a monastic complex recognized for the successive discovery of

two rows of martyr saints belonging to the first centuries, has an interior worked in

multicolored mosaic on a golden background. The four martyrs; Zotic, Atalos, Philippos and Camasis,

those from the second series, are still worshipped by the faithful today.

A testimony of almost two millennia, the Cave of Saint Andrew seems to preserve the Apostle's place of residence on the former territory of Moesia Inferior. The rustic appearance, the multitude of old icons and the iconostasis – meant to be a museum exhibit – guide the pilgrim on the path of prayer.

Sacrifice combined with the desire for good towards others can only culminate in fulfillment, salvation. The climb to the Cave of Saint John Cassian is like the ascent of the spirit towards the transcendent.