The relics of Saint Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova were exhumed on Tuesday at the “Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite” Monastery in Vasiova, where his tomb is located.
The special exhumation rite was officiated by Bishop Lucian of Caransebeș, accompanied by numerous clergy and monastics.
Following the exhumation, the honourable relics were placed in the monastery’s winter chapel, where the special service continued.
“Our joy is complete as we perform this extraordinary rite during Great Lent. Saint Callistratus was born on March 15, 1900, and reposed in the Lord on May 10, 1975. Now, just four days before his birthday, we have carried out this unique and special service here at Vasiova Monastery, particularly meaningful for us in the Banat region,” said His Grace Bishop Lucian.
“The local proclamation of his canonization will take place on the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite, the patronal feast of this sacred monastery. It is essential to emphasize that Father Callistratus Bobu was a man of prayer and service, a man of confession, and one who listened with great love to all the faithful,” the bishop added.
“He served for over 25 years in this monastery here in Bocșa Vasiova, as well as in other monasteries of the Metropolis of Banat, including Timișeni, Săraca, and Partoș. Father Callistratus Bobu was buried behind the church’s altar, as he had wished—to be laid to rest near the holy altar, where he spent much of his time, both during the divine services and in prolonged prayer between services.”
St. Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova: May 10
Saint Callistratus of Timișeni and Vasiova (1900–1975), originally from Burdujeni, Suceava, was tonsured a monk at the Sihăstria Neamțului Monastery in 1925.
In 1942, he was sent as a missionary priest to Banat, where he founded the Timișeni Monastery and renewed monastic life at the Săraca, Partoș and Vasiova Monasteries.
He reposed in the Lord on Holy Pascha 1975 and was buried near the altar of the Vasiova Monastery. He was canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church last year, establishing his feast day on May 10.
Photo: Diocese of Caransebeș
