Saints Paisius Olaru and Cleopas Ilie were commemorated on Saturday at Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County during a memorial service officiated by His Grace Assistant Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani.
Although the two ascetics were declared saints on July 12 by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, memorial services remain allowed until their official canonization ceremony next year.
The liturgical program began with the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by an assembly of clergy in the monastery’s church. Archimandrite Ioanichie Bălan, the author of the Romanian Patericon, was also commemorated during the service.
Guiding Souls Toward God’s Plan
In his concluding sermon, His Grace Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani reflected on the lives of Saints Paisius and Cleopas, emphasizing their spiritual legacy: “Elders Paisius and Cleopas shone with the light of the Holy Spirit, the light of faith, and the light of truth.”
He highlighted their spiritual mission: “They revealed to people that God has a plan for each of them. We are called not only to act but first to cleanse ourselves spiritually.”
Their commitment extended to uplifting countless souls through spiritual guidance and confession: “They sought to raise not ten, but thousands of people who would be righteous before God, so that He may work in this land through truth and love.”
His Grace urged believers to follow their example of unwavering faith and sincerity: “They taught people to remember prayer, care for their souls, and live by the truth they profess, trusting that when the faithful live righteously, God Himself will guard the city.”
Protosyncellus Meletie Muntianu from Sihăstria Monastery was elevated to the rank of archimandrite by the Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Iași.
Photo: Doxologia.ro / Flavius Popa
