Saint Gherasim Iscu

A life of faith

Gherasim Iscu entered a monastery as a boy and received theological education before becoming abbot of Tismana. His leadership followed a period of severe disruption at the monastery, including a major fire. Arrested in 1948, he passed through several communist prisons and a forced-labor camp. Illness eventually brought him to the prison sanatorium at Târgu Ocna, where he died in 1951. An official diocesan account of his first local feast recalls his forgiveness of the man who had tortured him. The Church commemorates Gherasim on December 26.

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

A reflection

Forgiveness need not deny the harm a person suffered. Gherasim's remembered final response places mercy beside an honest account of persecution.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.