Vurpar, Romania

	German Church A top a hill at one end of the long valley perches a German church overlooking the village, seemingly protecting the people of Vurpar. The Sasi (Saxons) lived side-by-side with their Romanian neighbors for centuries maintaining their German traditions, lending traditions to their Romanian friends and borrowing to supplement their own ways. During the communist times the Germans were persecuted throughout Romania and sadly, to the deep regret of their neighbors, many were ransomed back to Germany or left as soon as the borders opened. You will see the ghosts of the Germans in the many blue-eyed children of the village. Click Here to visit the Saxon in "Transivanien" Home Page.
	Romanian Church The Romanian church overlooks Vurpar from another hill at the opposite end of the valley. The view is excellent and, like the German church, the Romanian church seems to serve shepherd and protector from its perch.
	Church Service Romania is an Orthodox country. Candles, icons, incense and cantors define the religion.
	The German Altar The church is still maintained, but it is indeed rare to hear German spoken in Vurpar. The contributions to support the maintenance of the church, the small congregation and the small school come from departed Sasi and other Germans.
	The German Organ The Sasi were Lutherans, a religion defined by its pastor, by song and individual responsibility.