Toma Chiricuţă

Toma Chiricuţă (1887-1971) was a Romanian priest, theologian and writer.

Born in Odaia Bursucani, Tutova County (now Vaslui County), Romania. His first publication, on "The Religion of Scientists", was printed in 1910. He studied philosophy and theology in Erlangen and Heidelberg, Germany.

Ordained in 1913, Toma Chiricuţă was also active in the cultural life of the Tutova County. In 1910 he published his first theological study "The Religion of the Scientist". In 1915, with he founded the Academia Bârlădeană (Academy of Bârlad) with poet George Tutoveanu and writer Tudor Pamfile. The Academy had an important activity in promoting cultural events in the time interval between the two world wars.

Besides his priesthood, pe was also professor of religion, first at the normal school in Botoşani and then at the Domniţa Ileana High School of Bucharest till 1948, when religion was eliminated from the curriculum of Romanian schools. He was also confessor of Princess Ileana of Romania anf of the Queen Mother Elena of Romania.

He published various theological articoles in magazines such as "Fântâna Darurilor" and "Ortodoxia" as well as textbooks on religion.

His was vicar of the Zlătari parish in Bucharest where he was known for his fiery sermons. During the communist regime he was imprisoned and then moved to Popa Tatu parish, of lesser importance.

Toma Chiricuţă died in 1971 and was interred in Bellu Cemetery of Bucharest.

Works

• Religia omului de ştiinţă - Bucureşti,1910,