On February 4, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially declared the sainthood of sixteen confessors and spiritual fathers in honor of the centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate. These individuals, including figures like Saint Dumitru Stăniloae and Saint Arsenius of Prislop, were recognized for their exemplary lives and martyrdom during the challenging times of the 20th century, particularly amidst communist persecution.
The Synodal Tomos issued on this occasion not only adds these saints to the liturgical calendar but also encourages the faithful to venerate them by creating new icons and building churches dedicated to their memory. This canonization serves as a spiritual tribute to the unwavering devotion and sanctity of these individuals who embodied a strong commitment to Orthodox Christianity throughout their lives and deaths.
These new saints, which include martyrs like Saint Constantine Sârbu and confessors like Saint Elijah Lăcătușu, are expected to serve as sources of inspiration for present-day believers, offering a model of Christian living in the face of adversity.
This canonization is anticipated to spark increased pilgrimage to the resting places of these saints, fostering a deeper connection with the Church’s heritage and strengthening the spiritual identity of Romania’s Orthodox community.
Synodal Decree of the Romanian Orthodox Church for the Proclamation of the Canonization of 20th-century Romanian Saints
Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church
To the beloved clergy, monastic order, and the faithful of the Romanian Patriarchate,
Grace, mercy, and peace from God, and from Us, episcopal blessings!
Our Orthodox Church joyfully announces on this special occasion the inclusion of the righteous people of Romania in the calendar of saints, in accordance with the teachings of Saint Paul the Apostle. The clergy and faithful are called to honor the martyrs, confessors, and ascetics who shone through their saintly lives and miracles, particularly during the communist era.
The list of those canonized includes Saint Sofian of Antim, Saint Dumitru Stăniloae, Saint Constantine Sârbu, Saint Arsenius of Prislop, Saint Elijah Lăcătușu, Venerables Paisius and Cleopas of Sihăstria, Venerable Dometius the Merciful of Râmeț, Venerable Seraphim the Enduring of Sâmbăta de Sus, Priest-Martyr Liviu Galaction of Cluj, Venerable Martyr Gerasimus of Tismana, Venerable Martyr Bessarion of Lainici, Venerable Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova, Priest-Martyr Hilarion Felea, Venerable Heraclius of Bessarabia, and Priest-Martyr Alexander of Bessarabia.
These individuals led lives of prayer, fasting, repentance, humility, and love, some even sacrificing their lives for their faith. Their canonization is a testament to their enduring devotion and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the Orthodox faith.
The unwavering faith of the saints in Christ was unshakable, as they endured various trials and challenges without ever being separated from His love. Through Him, they emerged victorious in all things (Romans 8:35-37).
After careful consideration and consultation with the Metropolitan Synods and hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church, it has been decreed that the following saints be officially recognized and commemorated: Holy Venerable Confessor Sofian of Antim, Holy Confessor Priest Dumitru Stăniloae, Holy Hieromartyr Constantine Sârbu, Holy Venerable Confessor Arsenius of Prislop, Holy Confessor Priest Elijah Lăcătușu, Holy Venerables Paisius and Cleopas of Sihăstria, Holy Venerable Dometius the Merciful of Râmeț, Holy Venerable Seraphim the Enduring of Sâmbăta de Sus, Holy Hieromartyr Liviu Galaction of Cluj, Holy Venerable Martyr Gerasimus of Tismana, Holy Venerable Martyr Bessarion of Lainici, Holy Venerable Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova, Holy Hieromartyr Hilarion Felea, Holy Venerable Heraclius of Bessarabia, and Holy Hieromartyr Alexander of Bessarabia. They shall be honored and commemorated in the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Their lives and services will be shared, and their icons will be revered by Orthodox Christians. They will be considered patrons of new or renovated churches to deepen the devotion of believers. This Synodal Tomos of Canonization is declared on February 4, 2025, in the presence of the Chairman of the Holy Synod, Archbishop of Bucharest, Metropolitan of Muntenia and Dobruja, Locum tenens of the throne of Caesarea in Cappadocia, and Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, † Daniel. All members of the Holy Synod have co-signed this document.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
Source: basilica.ro
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