A Saint for Our Times: Reviewing The Life of Saint Cleopa

We have been greatly blessed this year to witness the glorification of several Romanian saints—martyrs, confessors, and true ascetics—who stand before us as living examples of apostolic faith in our time. Their lives serve as a roadmap for Gospel-centered living amid the challenges of the modern world. During the service of glorification for two of these bright lights of the twentieth century, the sight of a well-known American priest, Fr. Josiah Trenham, carrying the relics of the saints was a moment of deep joy and pride for Orthodox Americans.

Among this choir of newly glorified holy ones, one who shines with particular brilliance is the pious St. Cleopa (Ilie) of Sihăstria. Fittingly, our American Church was represented by Fr. Josiah, a long-time devotee of St. Cleopa and many other modern elders. Through the blessing of Metropolitan Theofan of Moldavia and Bukovina, Fr. Josiah was entrusted with translating The Life of Saint Cleopa by Archimandrite Ioanichie Bălan. The project has now reached completion with its release by Patristic Nectar Publications (PNP)—a book we eagerly awaited and ordered as soon as it was released.

Content

The book is divided into five parts. The first two provide a detailed account of St. Cleopa’s life, richly illustrating not only the saint himself but also his family, spiritual fathers, and fellow strugglers. The opening section depicts the saint’s rural childhood in early twentieth-century Romania—a life of simplicity and hardship, yet deeply infused with living Orthodoxy. The second section focuses on his monastic years and the immense trials he endured, from demonic assaults to persecution by atheistic authorities. His retreat into the mountains, where he found true stillness and communion with God, is particularly moving.

Throughout these accounts, the reader encounters a steady stream of patristic wisdom—sometimes through miracles, sometimes through counsel, or the trials which the saint overcomes. Particularly touching is the portrayal of his mother, Agafia, who, after losing her husband and sons, became a nun in a nearby convent and often crossed the mountains to visit her son. Her perseverance and love reveal the sanctity of family bonds even within the monastic life.

The final three sections present (1) sayings of the Holy Fathers often cited by St. Cleopa, (2) the saint’s own teachings, and (3) short spiritual maxims. These alone would justify purchasing the book.

Construction, Formatting, and Editing

While the content is exceptional, the book’s material quality is disappointing. 

Orthodox books tend to be costly due to small print runs and specialized translations, but even with that in mind, PNP’s titles are priced on the high end. Unfortunately, the physical quality of The Life of Saint Cleopa—printed via a print-on-demand service—makes it difficult to justify the price. Our copy (Paperback—$30) arrived with roughly eighty pages glued together at the top. Though I carefully steamed them apart, several tore in the process. For someone less experienced in dealing with such issues, this might mean tearing dozens of pages in a new book. Another PNP title on my shelf, this time a hardcover, shows the same problem, suggesting this is, unfortunately, not an isolated case.

Formatting is generally pleasant—especially the tasteful use of green for decorative elements—but the drop caps (initial capitals) are often misaligned and intrude into the text. Editing is also inconsistent. Typos abound, occasionally obscuring the meaning of the text. Furthermore, name usage varies confusingly. For example, St. John-Jacob is referred to as John-Jacob, Ilie Iacob, and Ilie Jacob in just a few paragraphs. Joachim and Ana alternate with Joachim and Anna throughout the text. In one story, Paul is occasionally referred to as Pavel, leaving one wondering if a new person has entered the story, or if the translator was just careless in use of names. This lack of editorial precision undermines an otherwise extraordinary text.

Conclusion

The Life of Saint Cleopa is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom, relevant to all—from the newly illumined to the seasoned elder. It vividly portrays Orthodox life under Communist persecution and offers timeless guidance for anyone seeking holiness in the modern age.

Yet the poor editing and substandard printing diminish both readability and longevity. Patristic Nectar Publications continues to offer invaluable contributions to English-speaking Orthodoxy, but such inspired content deserves a medium worthy of its spiritual depth. If PNP cannot match its theological excellence with equal editorial and material care, its legacy and longevity are in question.

UOJ-USA Previously Reported on the canonization of St. Cleopa of Sihastria and his spiritual father, St. Paisie of Sihla.

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