Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Sunday, 14 June 2026, 22:01 / Updated on Sunday, 14 June 2026 22:02
Gigi Becali (67 years old), patron of FCSB, was decorated on Sunday, June 14, by the Romanian Orthodox Church, in the the consecration ceremony of the “Baptism of the Lord” church” from Pipera, Voluntari, place of worship built with the financial support of the businessman.
The patron saint of the red-blues received the “Sanctus Stephanus Magnus” (Saint Stephen the Great) Order for laymen, a distinction awarded by Patriarch Daniel to people who have made important contributions in supporting and promoting the activity of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
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The “Sanctus Stephanus Magnus” order is one of the distinctions granted by the Romanian Patriarchate to both clerics and laymen who have distinguished themselves through the support offered to the Church and its projects.
Distinction received at the consecration of the church in Pipera
The ceremony took place at the consecration of the “Baptism of the Lord” church, built in Voluntari, near Pipera, a project in which Gigi Becali invested approximately 10 million euros. The distinction was handed to him by PS Varlaam Ploieșteanul, patriarchal bishop-vicar, on behalf of Patriarch Daniel.
Also during the event, the FCSB club received an honorary diploma from the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The ceremony was attended by several people close to the FCSB boss, including his wife, Luminița Becali, but also representatives of the club, such as Valeriu Argăseală.
Later, during the event, Nicolae Dică also came to the church from Voluntari, Becali's former coach at the red-blue team, as well as the older sister of the FCSB patron, Dominica Geambazi. Teodora Becali, Becali's eldest daughter, also appeared, along with her husband, Mihai Mincu, and children.
A promise made almost two decades ago
The church in Voluntari represents the fulfillment of an older promise made by Gigi Becali. The FCSB boss has repeatedly stated that he decided to erect this place of worship after his team's double against Galatasaray in the 2008 Champions League qualifiers.
At that time, Becali promised to build a church if the Bucharest team managed to qualify. After years of work and investment, the project was completed and the official consecration ceremony took place on Sunday.
