Saint Ilie Lăcătușu

A life of faith

Ilie served as a parish priest and suffered imprisonment and forced labour under Romania’s communist regime. In detention, he shared clothing and food with prisoners who were more vulnerable. He also took on work assigned to prisoners weakened by torture so that they would not face further punishment. After release, he eventually resumed parish ministry. The calendar remembers both his prayer and his costly care for fellow prisoners.

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

A reflection

Ilie’s life invites you to share what you have and lighten another person’s burden, especially when doing so costs you something.

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.