December 2 marks 26 years since the repose of Saint Cleopas of Sihăstria, canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church during its working session on July 11–12.
Saint Cleopas was born on April 10, 1912, in Sulița, Botoșani County, to Alexandru and Ana Ilie and was baptized with the name Constantin. He was one of ten siblings, five of whom, along with their mother, embraced monastic life.
As a child, after recovering from a severe illness, he was dedicated to the Mother of God at a miraculous icon of Cozancea Hermitage in gratitude for his healing.
In 1929, at just 17 years old, Constantin joined the monastic community of Sihăstria Hermitage under the guidance of Elder Ioanichie Moroi. In 1937, he was tonsured a monk and received the name Cleopas.
By 1942, he became the abbot of Sihăstria Hermitage, which was elevated to the status of a monastery in 1947. Cleopas was invested in Archimandrite. Between 1949 and 1956, he served as the abbot of Slatina Monastery, overseeing seven other monasteries and hermitages.
During the communist regime, he sought refuge in the wilderness multiple times, dedicating himself to prayer and writing. After 1964, he returned to Sihăstria Monastery, where he served until his passing.
On August 6, 1987, Saint Cleopas tonsured Dan Ilie, the current Patriarch of Romania, into monasticism.
Saint Cleopas reposed in the Lord on December 2, 1998, and was laid to rest at Sihăstria Monastery. His canonization will be officially proclaimed next year.
Photo: Doxologia.ro
