Bucharest, Romania
St. Cyprian the Mage relics are located in a small church in Bucharest, Romania. St. Cyprian is the patron saint of necromancers, witches, and sorcerers who lived during the third century. The preserved arm of this ancient magician rests in Zlătari Church and is believed by many to have the power to lift curses and spells when touched.
Legend has it that before converting to Christianity, Cyprian journeyed to various destinations, including Greece, Egypt, and India, where he honed his skills as a formidable sorcerer. Eventually, he took up residence in Antioch in Pisidia, located near the present-day Turkish town of Yalvaç, and his outstanding abilities led many to seek his assistance.
One of these individuals was a fellow pagan who coveted the hand of Justina, a Christian woman who had made private vows of chastity. The pagan requested that Cyprian put a charm on Justina to have her fall in love with him. Cyprian called demons to corrupt her, but her prayers were too powerful, and she made the cross sign, thwarting their attempts.
Cyprian was devastated by his failure and, seeking forgiveness, made the sign of the cross, releasing himself from Satan’s clutches and adopting Christianity. He burned his magic books and became a deacon, priest, and bishop. During the Diocletian persecution in 304 AD, he was tortured and killed with Justina. According to legend, their bodies were eventually interred in Constantine’s basilica.
Because there is no evidence of their historical existence, their feast day was removed from the Roman Rite calendar in 1969, and their names were cleared off the official list of saints recognised by the Roman Catholic Church in 2001. Some Catholics, as well as members of the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, continue to honour them, including those who feel that St. Cyprian’s armrests in Zlătari Church are their best barrier against witchcraft.
The church, regarded as “a church of miracles” due to the reputed powers of St. Cyprian’s arm, gained its name from the Roma goldsmiths, or “zlătari,” who resided nearby and erected the first wooden church in the 17th century. It was restored in 1850 after being nearly damaged by earthquakes earlier in the century. It is famous for the exquisite frescoes by Gheorghe Tattarescu that adorn the walls and the entryway.
The Zlătari Church’s domes suffered damage from an earthquake in 1940 but were later fixed in the 1970s. The church’s appearance has undergone noteworthy changes due to the development of the surrounding area in the 20th century. It used to have an inn, bell tower, and garden.
The location is situated between Stavropoleos and Lipscani streets.
