Patriarchate of Constantinople Canonizes Two Romanian Elders of Mount Athos
Photo: basilica.ro
ISTANBUL — The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, meeting August 30–31, formally canonized two Romanian elders of Mount Athos: Hieroschemamonk Dionysius (Ignat) of Colciu and Archimandrite Petronius (Tănase) of Prodromos Skete.
Their feast days will be observed on May 11 for St. Dionysius and February 24 for St. Petronius. Liturgical texts for their services were prepared by the Romanian Patriarchate and submitted to Constantinople.
Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed the decision, noting that both elders “always kept the longing for their homeland” and are revered by Romanians and Greeks alike. He had earlier petitioned the Ecumenical Patriarch for their canonisation, highlighting their role as spiritual confessors during the communist era.
The Romanian Patriarch also reiterated that the right to canonize the Romanian elders belongs to the Church "where a person lived the last part of their life and where they reposed," according to Basilica News Agency.
St. Dionysius (1909–2004), a native of Botoșani County, lived 78 years on Mount Athos, where he became one of its most respected confessors. His funeral was attended by then-Prince Charles of Wales.
St. Petronius (1914–2011), a theologian and longtime abbot of Prodromos Skete, guided the revival of the Romanian Athonite community after decades of hardship under communism. He was remembered as both “cultured and humble” by Metropolitan Serafim of Germany.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.