On Tuesday, His Grace Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Cernica Monastery in honour of Saint George, the monastery’s founder. The Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop emphasized that the significance of this feast lies in the commitment to spiritual cleansing.
“The celebration here is meaningful and fulfils its purpose only if we leave resolved to purify our souls of all sinfulness and corruption and to be filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit,” His Grace noted.
A Celebration for All Romanians
Bishop Varlaam highlighted the life and legacy of Saint George of Cernica, who revitalized monastic life at the monastery over three centuries ago.
“This is a feast for the Romanians of Wallachia, where Saint George played a vital role in renewing monastic life. It is also a day of celebration for the Transylvanian Romanians, as Saint George originated from Săliștea Sibiului and remains highly honoured in his native region,” he said.
His Grace also noted Saint George’s strong national consciousness and discipleship under Saint Paisius Velichkovsky of Neamț. “On December 3, 1806—on a day like today—Saint George of Cernica and Căldărușani entrusted his soul to God after a life of extraordinary prayer, labour, and dedication.”
The Bishop recalled the saint’s lasting influence, not only at Cernica and Căldărușani but also across other monasteries in Wallachia, where his disciples led significant spiritual revivals.
“His virtuous life and esteemed reputation were revered not only after his passing but also during his lifetime, earning him admiration for his exceptional deeds.” His canonization in 2005 further recognized him as one of his time’s most significant spiritual figures.
Unlocking Heavenly Mysteries
Drawing a parallel with the Gospel reading of the day, Bishop Varlaam spoke about discovering heavenly mysteries through spiritual struggle, following the example of Saint George.
“The unveiling of heavenly mysteries and profound insights from the Holy Gospel is reserved for those who purify their hearts through spiritual efforts. That is why we commemorate the holy monks and nuns who laboured in monasteries, hermitages, deserts, and forests, for they, through detachment from passions and the grace of the Holy Spirit, became God-bearers and temples of the Holy Spirit,” His Grace explained.
Standing before the holy icons of Saint George, the abbot of Cernica and Căldărușani, and Saint Callinicus of Cernica, a spiritual product of the same revivalist and hesychastic environment, Bishop Varlaam urged the faithful to build their spiritual temples.
“We must strive to construct this temple and not destroy it through sin or disobedience to God’s will,” he concluded.
From October 12 to 21, Saint George of Cernica’s relics toured various communities in his native region of Mărginimea Sibiului.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
