The saint library

Saint Elisabeta (Safta) Brâncoveanu

Venerable Nun and Benefactress
Iași, Bucharest and Văratec, Romania
Feast day: August 17

Icon of Saints Olympiada, Nazaria and Elisabeta Safta of Văratec. Elisabeta Safta appears on the right. Image source: Basilica.ro / Romanian Patriarchate

A life of faith

Safta came from the Balș family and married Grigore Brâncoveanu. After his death, she established a hospital for people who could not afford care, continuing a charitable purpose they had shared. She later entered Văratec and received the name Elisabeta. The official life remembers almsgiving, gifts for churches and monasteries, and prayer in her cell when illness prevented her from attending services. She died in 1857.

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

A reflection

Elisabeta supported care for people who could not afford treatment. Reflect on a local work of mercy that you could help sustain.

Read the Orthodox source

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