Relics of Saint Seraphim the Enduring exhumed in Romania ahead of local canonisation ceremony
The relics of Saint Seraphim the Enduring of Sâmbăta de Sus were exhumed on Saturday during a religious ceremony.
The exhumation service was celebrated by Metropolitan Laurențiu of Transylvania, together with Bishop Andrei of Covasna and Harghita, Assistant Bishop Ilarion of Făgăraș (Archdiocese of Sibiu), and Assistant Bishop Sofian of Brașov (Archdiocese of Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg).
The event gathered the brotherhood of Brâncoveanu Monastery at Sâmbăta de Sus, led by Archimandrite Atanasie Roman, along with many pilgrims.
The relics of Saint Seraphim were carried in procession around the church where he had served for fifty years and then placed in the Great Chapel, where the exhumation rite was completed, reported Mihai Răzvan Clipici, Patriarchal Counselor, who was present at the event.
Remembering the Saint’s Compassion and Patience
Metropolitan Laurențiu reflected on the life and virtues of Saint Seraphim the Enduring, emphasizing his key role in reviving monastic life in the Făgăraș region.
“We first remember Saint Seraphim’s characteristic gentleness, which some mistook for naivety. He fulfilled Christ’s word: ‘Unless you become like little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of God.’ His gentleness radiated a seraphic joy,” noted the Metropolitan on April 26.
“He was a lover of mankind, feeling the pain and hardships of each person, taking them upon himself in prayer. He carried his spiritual children on his shoulders. I know many testimonies and can personally testify how, in times of hardship and trials, he lifted and supported us when it was most needed.”
The saint’s relics will later be placed in a specially prepared reliquary. The local canonization ceremony is scheduled for 16 August, the Feast of the Holy Brâncoveanu Martyrs.
About Saint Seraphim of Sâmbăta de Sus
Saint Seraphim was born on 27 October 1912, in Totoi village, Alba County, and was baptised with the name Dimitrie.
In November 1938, he was ordained as a deacon and shortly after was sent to Mount Athos, where he lived at St. Hypatius’ Cell together with Elder Arsenie Boca under the spiritual guidance of Hieroschemamonk Teodosie Domnariu and the revered Romanian hesychast Elder Antipas Dinescu.
After returning to Romania, he settled at Brâncoveanu Monastery at Sâmbăta de Sus, founded by Saint Constantine Brâncoveanu, helping to rebuild it during the troubled times of World War II. On 15 January 1941, he was ordained as a priest and later, on the Feast of the Life-Giving Spring, tonsured as a monk.
Saint Seraphim reposed in the Lord on 20 December 1990.
He was canonised by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church in 2024, with his feast day set for 20 December.
Photographs: Trinitas TV
