The relics of Saint Dometius the Merciful of Râmeț were exhumed on Tuesday during a special service officiated by Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania and Archbishop Irineu of Alba Iulia.
The event was attended by members of the exhumation commission, Mother Apolinaria Barb, abbess of Râmeț monastery, alongside the monastery’s nuns and numerous clergy members.
The Joy of Canonizing Contemporary Saints
Metropolitan Laurențiu emphasized the spiritual significance of the event and its connection to the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate, highlighting the Church’s ongoing commitment to honouring its saints.
He particularly noted the emotional impact of canonizing contemporary saints, whose lives and missions were directly known by many of those present. Speaking about Saint Dometius, he described him as a model of selflessness and dignity, living with humility and mercy despite life’s hardships.
“This joy is immense because, for the first time, we are witnessing the canonization of saints we have known personally, whose spiritual work and special mission in our Church we all cherished.”
“We fondly remember Saint Dometius, knowing he was full of vitality despite life’s difficulties. He bore his struggles with great dignity and dedication, so he was named ‘Dometius the Merciful’,” added Metropolitan Laurențiu.
“He Intercedes for Us and Helps Us”
Archbishop Irineu also highlighted the sacrificial and devoted life of Saint Dometius, who dedicated himself entirely to God.
“The earthly journey of Saint Dometius was one of sacrificial and enthusiastic dedication to the Heavenly Bridegroom. His charismatic presence was like a shining lamp, dispelling the darkness of evil around him.”
“Now, as a friend of God and a citizen of Heaven, Saint Dometius of Râmeț intercedes for us and offers great help through his prayers and his venerable relics, which are a source of many blessings,” the Archbishop added.
“We Felt the Active Power of Grace”
Abbess Apolinaria Barb described Saint Dometius’s virtues, including kindness, humility, and devotion to others. She recalled his role as a spiritual guide gifted by God, who, despite his profound theological knowledge, approached everyone with simplicity.
“In his presence, we felt the active power of grace. He embodied kindness, gentleness, compassion, selflessness, sincerity, and simplicity in speech and actions. He sacrificed himself for others so much that he placed no importance on himself. Though he had theological training and intellectual capacity, he humbled himself to the level of each person he encountered.”
Saint Dometius the Merciful of Râmeț (1924-1975)
Saint Dometius the Merciful was born in 1924 in Buzău County and entered monastic life at Prislop Monastery in 1949 under the guidance of Saint Arsenius Boca.
From 1959, he dedicated himself to reviving monastic life at Râmeț Monastery. He reposed in the Lord on July 6, 1975, and Saint Dumitru Stăniloae described him as “a hero of faith and a soul of great holiness.”
He was canonized last year by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. This February, Saint Dometius was officially proclaimed a saint during a ceremony held at the Patriarchal Cathedral led by Patriarch Daniel. Saint Dometius the Merciful is commemorated on July 6, the day of his blessed repose.
Photo: Arhiepiscopia Alba Iuliei
