In Romania, 20,000 believers participate in canonization of new saints

Local proclamation of the canonization of Sts. Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopa (Ilie) at the Sihastria Monastery. Photo: doxologia.ro

In the Sihăstria Monastery in the northeast of Romania, believers from all over the country and abroad gathered on August 7, 2025, for the local proclamation of the canonization of two ascetics of the 20th century – Elders Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopa (Ilie). According to the Romanian news portal Doxologia, authorities estimated that about 20,000 pilgrims attended the celebrations.

The festive Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina, with the participation of 24 hierarchs from various dioceses of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

As reported, this day marked the completion of the entire process of canonization of these two saints, which began with the approval of their canonization at the meeting of the Holy Synod in July 2024, and continued with the general proclamation of sixteen Romanian saints on February 4, 2025.

After the reading of the Gospel, a sermon in honor of the ascetics was delivered by Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, noting that Hieroschemamonk Paisius, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit, "healed spiritual wounds," and Archimandrite Cleopa was "an outstanding educator, enlightening souls with words".

Both servants, who became symbols of Romanian eldership in the 20th century, labored for many years in the monasteries of the Romanian Church, combining a strict monastic life with spiritual care for thousands of believers.

St. Paisius (Olaru) (1897–1990) was a hesychast monk and spiritual father of the Sihastria Monastery, renowned for his humbleness and mercy. He lived in a modest cell, received many pilgrims, and comforted and strengthened them in faith.

St. Cleopa (Ilie) (1912–1998) was the abbot of the Sihastria Monastery, a renowned preacher and spiritual mentor. He was distinguished by his lively, vivid speech and profound knowledge of the teachings of the Church Fathers. His sermons and spiritual guidance remain widely known and continue to be read in Romania to this day.

After the proclamation of canonization, the relics of Sts. Paisius (Olaru) and Cleopa (Ilie) were displayed for veneration by Orthodox Christians.

The date of the church commemoration of the saints is set for December 2.

As reported by the UOJ, in Romania, more than 60,000 people venerated the relics of Saint John Chrysostom.

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