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Humorlui doesn't have stone walls surrounding it, like many of the other monasteries. What looks like a defensive structure is primarily a bell tower that did double duty as a lookout post.
Because of this lack of imposing enclosure, Humorlui feels more like a regular person's park than a dwelling for lifetime religious retreat.
Humorlui's external frescoes are badly faded.
We found certain evidence that destruction of the paintings by graffiti has a long history.
No one in these parts has written in Cyrillic for over 150 years.
This kind of prayer bell goes back to days when metal was too expensive, even for monasteries. It remains a continuing tradition at all Orthodox monasteries in Romania.
The openness of the monastery grounds was mirrored in her sisters. They were happy to let us take pictures inside.
And gave us a quick, impromptu tour, showing Kathleen her patron Saint "Katalina."
Henry, who goes by 'Andrei' inside Romania because it's easier to pronounce, witnessed his namesake being martyred.
Every miracle of Christ's life is celebrated on the walls of Humorului. Here is a depiction above the door to the altar room of the towel Christ used to wipe his face on the way to his crucifixion, which had the image of his face divinely transferred to it.
But our hosts, Octavian and Elenora Leonties, were more interested in a local pilgrimage for modern day miracles. The took us to the local church in Humor.
Where a small altar room receives a constant flow of pilgrims.
"See the newspaper articles?" they said. "They prove this icon grants miracles!" We were so happy just being in Romania again, we didn't know what to ask for. What the heck, how about 'world peace and prosperity.'
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Fall
2002:
