The Holy Hierarch Pachomius of Gledin was commemorated on Bright Tuesday, in his native village in Bistrița-Năsăud County.
On this occasion, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the “Holy Trinity” Church by Bishop Samuel of Bistrița, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj, together with Bishop Teofil of Trotuș, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău.
Bishop Samuel urged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and to follow the example of the saint.
“Keep the faith of Saint Pachomius and be worthy followers of this great saint,” he said, adding that the birth of a saint in a village is “not a matter of pride, but of joy.”
A friend of Christ
Bishop Teofil highlighted the deep bond between the community of Gledin and Saint Pachomius of Gledin, describing him as “a friend of Christ” who brings honour and joy to his native place.
He recalled the saint’s spiritual journey, noting that he left his native region to become a monk in Moldavia, particularly at Neamț Monastery, before later serving as Bishop of Roman.
“He served with great dedication and humility. He was an enlightened man, devoted to God, prayer and stillness. During his time as bishop, he cultivated inner prayer and brought Christ into his heart. For this reason, he was found worthy to continue his ministry in heaven,” Bishop Teofil said.
He also emphasised the saint’s role as protector of the community, saying that he “pours out his grace and prayers upon the entire community,” and encouraged the faithful to recognise the gift they have in a saint who came from among them.
Saint Pachomius of Gledin is commemorated on April 14. His canonisation was officially proclaimed in 2007 at the initiative of Metropolitan Bartolomeu Anania.
Photo: Metropolis of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj / Sebastian Suărășan
