The eviction of Fejes Rudolf Anzelm from the Premonstratensian monastery in Oradea/Nagyvárad did not take place at the scheduled deadline, after the City Hall requested a postponement of the enforcement procedure. According to the municipality, some of the rooms subject to eviction overlap with spaces used by the Mihai Eminescu National College, and carrying out the measure on Monday morning would have disrupted educational activities that had just resumed following the winter break.

By the 10 a.m. deadline set by the court bailiff, around one hundred supporters had gathered in front of the Premonstratensian church. The abbot celebrated Mass and then joined the faithful on the church steps to await developments. Those present prayed both in Hungarian and Romanian, while three gendarmes monitored the scene.

The eviction ultimately did not occur. In its official statement, the City Hall stressed that the postponement is “exclusively administrative and temporary in nature.” The eviction order remains in force and will be carried out at a later date, in accordance with legal provisions and without disrupting students and teachers.

The abbot stated on site that until he receives a formally stamped written notice confirming the postponement, he will remain on the church steps.

Background of the Legal Dispute

At the heart of the conflict lies the question of ownership of the monastery building and the adjacent school property. The municipality maintains that the property—part of which currently houses the Mihai Eminescu National College—is owned by the city and is slated for renovation with European Union funding. City officials argue that the abbot occupies rooms that legally belong to the school.

By contrast, Fejes Rudolf Anzelm asserts that the building belongs to the Premonstratensian Order, citing a previous ruling by Romania’s High Court. He claims that the municipality has attempted to reclassify parts of the property through cadastral and land registry procedures in order to transfer them into municipal ownership.

In late January, the Oradea/Nagyvárad court ruled in favor of the municipality at first instance and ordered the eviction. Although the decision is not final, it is enforceable due to the urgent procedure requested by the city. The abbot has filed an appeal, stating that he “cannot leave this place by virtue of [his] office.”

Protest and Political Mediation

The case has sparked public outcry. CitizenGo Hungary announced a protest at the site, but the municipality refused authorization, citing a technical issue with the address listed in the application, claiming that it “does not exist.” A community page linked to the abbey dismissed the argument as absurd, noting that the address appears in all official registries.

Szabó Ödön, a member of parliament representing the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ), also intervened in the matter. He stated that he had received a verbal assurance from city representatives that the church and adjacent land would be transferred to the Premonstratensian Order and that an opportunity would be provided to build a new monastery. The abbot, however, emphasized that he cannot accept verbal promises without clear legal guarantees.

Long-Standing Property Disputes

The Premonstratensian Order in Oradea/Nagyvárad has been engaged in lengthy legal battles over the restitution of church properties nationalized during the communist period. According to the Order, the current procedure represents another attempt at “re-nationalization,” while the municipality insists it is acting on the basis of a valid court ruling.

The case has thus become more than a simple eviction dispute. It symbolizes a broader clash between ecclesiastical autonomy, property rights, and public educational interests. Although the postponement has temporarily eased tensions, the legal battle is far from over.

Source: Krónika

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