The Local Synods of the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bukovina and the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened jointly on Thursday in Iași, Romania. During the session, the hierarchs approved proposals for the canonization of five women recognized for their saintly lives, originating from both banks of the Prut River.
The Synod of the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bukovina gathered under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Teofan. Attendees included Archbishop Calinic of Suceava and Rădăuți, Archbishop Ioachim of Roman and Bacău, Bishop Ignatie of Huși, and the assistant bishops Nichifor of Botoșani and Damaschin of Dorna.
Canonization Proposals from Moldavia and Bukovina
The hierarchs agreed to forward the following canonization proposals to the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church for further examination and approval:
- Schema-nun Mavra of Mount Ceahlău (17th–18th century): a renowned hesychast hermit;
- Schema-nun Nazaria, first abbess of Văratic Monastery, disciple of Saints Basil of Poiana Mărului, Paisius Velichkovsky of Neamț, and Joseph of Văratic;
- Schema-nun Olimpiada (1757–1842): founder and benefactor of Văratic Monastery and spiritual daughter of Saints Paisius, Joseph, and Nazaria;
- Schema-nun Elisabeta (Safta) Brâncoveanu, monastic at Văratic Monastery.
New Episcopal Appointment in Roman and Bacău
The synod also approved the nomination of candidates for the position of assistant bishop to the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău. The two proposed candidates are:
- Archimandrite Teofil Anăstăsoaie, Romanian Patriarchate representative to the Holy Land;
- Archimandrite Nicolae Dănilă, administrative exarch of the monasteries in the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău.
Canonization Proposal from Bessarabia: A Teacher and Confessor
An additional canonisation proposal was reviewed during the joint session with the Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which included Metropolitan Petru, Bishop Antonie of Bălți, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, and Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania (Chisinau Archdiocese).
The hierarchs endorsed the canonization of Blondina Gobjilă (1906–1971), also known as Mother Blondina, a laywoman and teacher who endured 15 years of deportation to Siberia during the communist regime. Her file will also be submitted to the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church for evaluation.
In March 2025, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially began procedures for canonizing holy Orthodox women. The Romanian Patriarchate has proclaimed 2026 the Commemorative Year of Orthodox Holy Women and the Solemn Year of the Christian Family.
Photo: Doxologia.ro / Pr. Silviu Cluci
