Having the blessing of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada has received a particle of the relics of Saint Callinicus of Cernica, Bishop of Râmnic.

The relic was accompanied across the ocean by His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe, who was Patriarch Daniel’s delegate at the Fifth Congress of the Diocese of Canada, held in Vancouver on June 7-9, 2024.

The relic was extracted last month from St Callinicus’ reliquary by Protosyncellys Vasile Pârjol, abbot of Cernica Monastery, in the presence of Archimandrite Nectarie Șofelea, abbot of Radu Vodă Monastery and exarch of the monasteries in the Archdiocese of Bucharest.

Orthodox Romanians in Canada received this gift to strengthen and encourage them in their missionary work, according to the message sent by the Patriarch of Romania to the participants at the diocesan congress.

Saint Callinicus of Cernica

Saint Callinicus of Cernica (also known as Saint Calinic) was a prominent Romanian Orthodox saint and bishop. Here are some key details about his life and legacy:

Early Life and Monasticism

Birth: Callinicus was born as Constantin Antonescu on October 7, 1787, in Bucharest, Romania.
Monastic Life: At a young age, he entered monastic life at Cernica Monastery near Bucharest. He took the name Callinicus upon becoming a monk and was known for his piety and dedication to the monastic life.

Ecclesiastical Career

Abbot of Cernica: In 1818, St Callinicus was appointed the abbot of Cernica Monastery, where he served for several decades. Under his leadership, the monastery flourished both spiritually and materially.
Bishop of Râmnic: In 1850, St Callinicus was ordained as the Bishop of Râmnic. As a bishop, he was known for his pastoral care, efforts to improve education, and work in building and restoring churches.

Contributions and Legacy

Building Projects: He initiated numerous construction projects, including restoring the Râmnic Diocese’s cathedral and building new churches.
Spiritual Guidance: St Callinicus was a spiritual guide to many, known for his ascetic life and deep prayer.
Canonization: Saint Callinicus was canonized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1950. An official canonization ceremony was held in 1955 at Cernica Monastery. His feast day is celebrated on April 11.

Relics

Veneration: His relics are venerated at Cernica Monastery, where many pilgrims come to seek his intercession. His legacy is marked by his contributions to monasticism and the spiritual life of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro Files