‘In the Psalms I discover myself’

The following personal stories were gathered last year when the Interconfessional Bible Society in Romania distributed Bibles to residents in homes for elderly people in the Black Sea port of Constanta, due east of Bucharest, and the nearby town of Poarta Alba.

83-year-old Elsiria Jebeleanu, a resident of an old people's home in Constanta, Romania, with the Bible she received from representatives of the Interconfessional Bible Society in Romania. Photo: IBSR (ROM04DJ-5.JPG)

My name is Elsiria Jebeleanu. I’m a pensioner, 83 years old and I have been here for 15 years. I’m here because I’m suffering from bronchitis, asthma and a heart condition. In a word, my life depends on daily medical attention.

I used to be a French teacher. Five of my family are priests and I was a chorister in the church choir. I have had my own Bible for a long time; I am very attached to it. I need to read it when I have doubts or questions. I regret to say that it is quite degrading living here: there are many people with bad habits. The Bible – the Psalter, for example – is a refuge for me.

For me your donation, the Bible – with its commentary – is a gift from God. I would like to have this Bible and I’m very grateful for your gesture.

Your mission is a good one. Most of us don’t dare to shake off the burden of sin: I think that some people are embarrassed to confess their sins and the Bible could be a real challenge to recognise what is wrong with us.

I am Florica Bogdan. I am 67 years old and I have been here for two years. Because of my health problems, I can’t always go to church. My parents were pious people, especially my mother. But we didn’t have our own Bible, so she used to borrow one either from people in the village or from the priest.

When I read the Bible, I feel comforted. About 20 years ago I had a dream. It was Holy Week and one of my friends invited me to see a movie, when I should have gone to service at the church. That night I had a dream, with Jesus Christ floating on a blue cloud just in front of the cinema where we had been the day before. I looked up and saw Jesus saying to people: “Why are you coming to the cinema? It would be better to go to the church and repent!” After that, I felt guilty and I tried to go to church often. When I pray, I feel God helps me.

I had a Bible but it was in small type. I suffer from eye disease and I can’t see well. I had no money for a new pair of spectacles, so I offered the Bible to my niece so this copy of the Bible will be very welcome.

My name is Ileana. I am 65 years old. Last year, after 48 years of marriage, my husband abandoned me; I had an accident and I became sick. I woke up alone and I wanted to jump out of the second-floor window. At that moment somebody yelled, “You’re mad! What are you doing?” Since then, I’ve always tried to go to church and God has comforted me. The loneliness is burdensome and very difficult. When I suffer, I weep and say a prayer. I calm down and that night I dream something beautiful.

Some people have to go through big trials, others go through smaller ones. Everybody has to go through trials and temptations. When I can’t go to church, I take the Bible in my hands and read many prayers. I thank you enormously for your gift, which comforts our souls.

I am Maria Moldovanu, 77 years old. I came here a month ago after my life had taken a tragic turn. I was living with my son, aged 50. We both lived on my pension of 800,000 lei a month [approximately US$25.00].

My son was a very good man but some people played a trick on him. I wasn’t at home at the time but they gave him some drink and afterwards they went to the notary’s office and my son ended up signing our house away. When I arrived at home he was crying… and two months later we were thrown out.

For a while I lodged with my ex-daughter-in-law and my son went to one of his friends. After two months he died.

I didn’t continue staying with my ex-daughter-in-law because she has her own family. I have a sister who lives with her husband in Constanta. They are pensioners, and their house is too small for me to live with them.

I’m in a good position here; the whole staff is special. I had a good family but I’m here now and I hope God will help me.

I believe in God and he has always helped me. I used to read the Psalter but I left it with my ex-daughter-in-law. Now I am happy to be receiving a new one. In the Psalms I discover myself. They reflect the moods that I have been through during these many great afflictions. I still have good eyes and I will read the Psalter to other old people to comfort their souls, too.