How the relics of the new Putna saints were discovered

Moscow, May 11, 2017

Photo: Putna.ro Photo: Putna.ro
    

On May 20, 2016 the local Synod of Moldova and Bucovina approved the proposed canonizations of Metropolitan Jacob Putneanul of Moldova, and the Venerable Fathers Silas, Nathan, and Paisios of Sihăstria Putnei Monastery. Then the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church adopted the same resolution at its June 6 session. The official proclamation of these four God-pleasers will take place on May 14 this year at Putna Monastery in Suceava County.

Ahead of their official glorification ceremony, Doxologia.ro has recounted the finding of their relics in 1990.

The fathers of Putna Monastery began restoring the Sihăstria Putnei Hermitage on April 24, 1990, after 200 years of closure. It was on this day that they found the relics of the Venerable Fathers Silas, Nathan, and Paisios. The tomb of the holy ascetic Silas was discovered first, on the right side of the hermitage church, with the inscription, “Here lie the bones of Hieroschemamonk Silas, who left this world on April 23, 1783.” His bones were found, yellow and beautiful underground.

The tomb of St. Paisios was placed on the same side, next to the nave, with the inscription, “Here lie the bones of the servant of God Hieroschemamonk Paisios, who departed this world in 17…” His bones were also found to be yellow and fragrant.

The bones of St. Nathan were also discovered inside the church.

With the blessing of the Romanian Holy Synod, the crypt of St. Jacob Putneanul was opened on June 15, 2016. His bones were found to have a ruddy color, considered a sign of holiness and perfection in the Lord. St. Jacob was buried simply and humbly, wearing only his monastic garments and a simple silver cross, despite bearing the episcopal dignity of a metropolitan during his life. Thus he went to the grave in the same spirit of humility that characterized his entire life.

***

Metropolitan Jacob (1719-1778) was the most distinguished bishop and pastor of the Moldovan Church of the eighteenth century. In 1731 he entered into the monastic ranks at Putna Monastery, being elected abbot in 1744. He served as Bishop of Radauti from 1745 to 1750, and of Moldova from 1750 to 1760, during which time he labored tirelessly to increase the spiritual level of his flock, printing spiritual literature for all ages and establishing spiritual schools. In 1760 he retired again into monastic simplicity for the remaining eighteen years of his life

The holy fathers of Sihăstria lived in the eighteenth century and labored at Sihăstria Putnei during a time of great spiritual flowering. Burning with love for God and silent prayerful contemplation, St. Silas served as abbot from 1753 to 1781 and oversaw the founding of the Church of the Annunciation; St. Nathan served from 1781 to 1784 during a time when many monasteries of the region were being abolished; and St. Paisios, a spiritual child of St. Nathan, labored as a fervent defender of Orthodoxy and clairvoyant guide for countless souls, falling asleep on December 16, 1784.

5/11/2017

See also
Synodal Tomos on the canonization of Venerable Saints Neophyte and Meletios from Stanishoara Monastery and Daniel and Misael from Turnu Monastery Synodal Tomos on the canonization of Venerable Saints Neophyte and Meletios from Stanishoara Monastery and Daniel and Misael from Turnu Monastery Synodal Tomos on the canonization of Venerable Saints Neophyte and Meletios from Stanishoara Monastery and Daniel and Misael from Turnu Monastery Synodal Tomos on the canonization of Venerable Saints Neophyte and Meletios from Stânişoara Monastery and Daniel and Misael from Turnu Monastery
Among Godʼs chosen ones are numbered the Venerable Fathers from the hermitages of Stânişoara and Turnu: Neophyte and Meletios fromStânişoara Monastery and Daniel and Misael from Turnu Monastery.
Four New Saints Glorified by Romanian Orthodox Church Four New Saints Glorified by Romanian Orthodox Church Four New Saints Glorified by Romanian Orthodox Church Four New Saints Glorified by Romanian Orthodox Church
Meeting on Thursday February 25, 2016, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church decided to canonize the Venerable Daniil and Misail of Turnu Monastery, to be commemorated on October 5, and the Venerable Neofit and Meletie of Stânişoara Monastery, to be commemorated on September 3.
An Interview with Elder Joel of Sihastria (1908–1986) An Interview with Elder Joel of Sihastria (1908–1986)
Archimandrite Ioanichie (Balan)
An Interview with Elder Joel of Sihastria (1908–1986) An Interview with Elder Joel of Sihastria (1908–1986)
Archimandrite Ioanichie (Balan)
Тhe fathers from Sihastria Monastery and the faithful from the region remember with great reverence the name of Protosinghel Joel (Gheorghiu). He was a skilled spiritual father, meek and merciful, with a heart pure before God and man. He was also a father of absolute obedience, humility, and prayer. Few from the community loved the services of the Church, the good order [of the monastic life] and silence as much as Fr. Joel did. However, in order to attain this spiritual measure, one needs over fifty years of ascetic labor, obedience, patience, and renunciation of all that is transitory. Otherwise, one is unable to acquire a peaceful conscience and the hope of salvation.
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