Romanian Orthodox Hierarchs Propose Five Women for Canonization
Mama Blondina Gobjilă. Photo: ortodoxinfo.ro
IAȘI — Hierarchs from two Romanian Orthodox metropolises have proposed five women for canonization, spotlighting the Church’s ongoing recognition of female holiness ahead of the 2026 Commemorative Year of Holy Women.
Meeting in Iași on Thursday, the Synods of the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bukovina and the Metropolis of Bessarabia endorsed four ascetic nuns and one modern confessor: Schemanuns Maura of Mount Ceahlau, Nazaria, Olimpiada, and Elisabeta (Safta) Brâncoveanu – renowned figures of Romanian Orthodox monasticism – and Blondina Gobjilă, also known as Mama Blondina, a teacher and spiritual guide who endured 15 years of Siberian exile during the communist regime.
According to OrthoChristian.com, Schemanun Maura was a hesychast hermit in the 17th-18th centuries; Schemanun Nazaria was the first abbess of Varatee Monastery and disciple of St. Basil of Poiana Marului, St. Paisus Velichovsky of Neamt, and St. Joseph of Varatee; Schemanun Olimpiada was the founder and benefactor of Varatec Monastery and disciple of St. Paisus Velichovsky of Neamt, St. Joseph of Varatec, and the aforementioned Venerable Nazaria; and Schemanun Elisabeta was also a resident of the Varatec Monastery.
The canonization proposals will be submitted to the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church for final approval.
Previously, UOJ reported on the canonization of several saints in the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Read also
Four Mt. Athos Monks Injured in Greece Highway Accident
Four Athonite monks were injured in a highway accident, with one remaining in critical condition.
Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose
The Pskov Caves Monastery commemorates Archimandrite John, honoring his life of labor, prayer, and spiritual guidance for generations of Russian Orthodox faithful.
Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama
Patr. Theodoros II visits Panama, joining Orthodox in an historic prayer service promoting Christian unity.
Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges
Metr. Theodosiy calls his criminal case politically motivated, defending UOC rights and warning of potential ECHR implications.
Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises
Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.
Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU
Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.