With the blessing of Patriarch Daniel of Romania, the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada has received a particle of the relics of Saint Callinicus of Cernica, Bishop of Râmnic.
The relic was brought to Canada by Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, who served as Patriarch Daniel’s delegate at the Fifth Congress of the Diocese of Canada in Vancouver on June 7-9, 2024.
Last month, the relic was extracted from St Callinicus’ reliquary by Protosyncellys Vasile Pârjol, abbot of Cernica Monastery, in the presence of Archimandrite Nectarie Șofelea, abbot of Radu Vodă Monastery and exarch of the monasteries in the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
Orthodox Romanians in Canada received this sacred gift as a source of strength and encouragement for their missionary endeavors, as conveyed in the message from the Patriarch of Romania to the participants of the diocesan congress.
Saint Callinicus of Cernica
Saint Callinicus of Cernica, also known as Saint Calinic, was a revered Romanian Orthodox saint and bishop.
Here are some significant details about his life and legacy:
Early Life and Monasticism
- Birth: Callinicus, originally Constantin Antonescu, was born on October 7, 1787, in Bucharest, Romania.
- Monastic Life: He entered Cernica Monastery at a young age, took the name Callinicus upon becoming a monk, and was renowned for his piety and dedication to monastic life.
Ecclesiastical Career
- Abbot of Cernica: St Callinicus became the abbot of Cernica Monastery in 1818, overseeing its spiritual and material growth for several decades.
- Bishop of Râmnic: In 1850, he was ordained as the Bishop of Râmnic, known for pastoral care, educational advancements, and church construction and restoration efforts.
Contributions and Legacy
- Building Projects: St Callinicus initiated various construction projects, including the restoration of the Râmnic Diocese’s cathedral and the construction of new churches.
- Spiritual Guidance: Known for his asceticism and profound prayer life, he provided spiritual guidance to many.
- Canonization: Canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1950, with an official ceremony held in 1955 at Cernica Monastery. His feast day is celebrated on April 11.
Relics
- Veneration: His relics are venerated at Cernica Monastery, attracting pilgrims seeking his intercession and honoring his contributions to monasticism and the spiritual life of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro Files
Source: basilica.ro