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Saint Calinic of Cernica

Bishop
Cernica and Râmnic, Romania
Feast day: April 11

Fresco, 1900 (sava henția) depicting Saint Calinic of Cernica
Sava Henția. Public domain. Image source: Wikimedia Commons

A life of faith

Calinic was born Constantin in Bucharest and entered Cernica Monastery as a young adult. He learned the Jesus Prayer from his monastic guide and eventually became abbot, leading the community for more than three decades. His building work included churches and a monastic infirmary. At Câmpina, he established a school alongside a church. Elected Bishop of Râmnic in 1850, he later returned to Cernica as his health declined. He died there in 1868 and was buried at the church he had founded. The official account links his monastic discipline with care for communal needs.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Notice a practical need near a place of worship. Calinic's foundations included care for illness and a school, alongside church buildings.

Read the Orthodox source

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