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Saint Constantin Brâncoveanu

Ruler and martyr
Wallachia and Constantinople
Feast day: August 16

Group icon: Constantin Brâncoveanu the ruler, his sons Constantin, Ștefan, Radu and Matei, and adviser Ianache.
Group icon: Constantin Brâncoveanu the ruler, his sons Constantin, Ștefan, Radu and Matei, and adviser Ianache. Image source: Romanian Patriarchate calendar

A life of faith

Constantin ruled Wallachia and supported churches and monasteries, including Hurezi. His assistance also reached Christian communities beyond his own country. Ottoman authorities removed him from power and imprisoned him with members of his family. The official calendar remembers his refusal to abandon Christian faith before his execution alongside his four sons and his adviser Ianache.

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

A reflection

Constantin’s example invites generous use of responsibility and resources, together with courage when a deeply held conviction is tested.

Read the Orthodox source

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