Romanian Orthodox Church Proclaims Local Canonization of St. Arsenie Boca

The local canonization of St. Arsenie (Boca) of Prislop. Photo: doxologia.ro

GEOAGIU — The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Friday, Nov. 28, at Prislop Monastery in Hunedoara County, where the local proclamation of the canonization of St. Arsenie (Boca) of Prislop was formally announced. The service was concelebrated by 28 hierarchs, according to the Orthodox Christianity web portal.

St. Arsenie, one of the most beloved Romanian spiritual fathers of the 20th century, was among 16 martyrs, confessors, and ascetics canonized by the Church in July 2024, with Churchwide glorification held in February. Each of the newly canonized saints is also being honored locally in the place where they lived and struggled ascetically.

After the Liturgy, Bishop Andrei of Covasna and Harghita read the tomos of canonization, and the officially approved icon of St. Arsenie was revealed. Metropolitan Irineu of Oltenia preached, describing how the new saint embodied Christ’s words, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,” and followed the Savior fully.

Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania emphasized that canonization begins with longstanding popular veneration and testimonies of miracles. “The miracles have been recorded and are very numerous,” he said, noting that the faithful themselves were drawn “like a magnet” to the saint’s resting place.

Hosting hierarch Bishop Nestor of Deva and Hunedoara said the Holy Synod had simply confirmed what believers already held in their hearts — St. Arsenie’s sanctity. Metropolitan Laurențiu thanked the crowds who endured harsh weather, calling the gathering “an overwhelming atmosphere… the joy of fulfillment and of meeting with... the saint of Transylvania.”

Clergy and faithful concluded the celebration with a procession to St. Arsenie’s tomb, where thousands make pilgrimage each year. The elder, who reposed in 1989, is widely revered, with reports of miracles at his grave, including flowers that remain in bloom even in freezing temperatures.

Previously, UOJ reported that Constantinople had canonized two Romanian Athonites.

Read also