Orte, Viterbo, Italy, November 7, 2024
Photo: basilica.ro
A new Romanian Orthodox parish has been established in the Italian town of Orte, Viterbo, under the patronage of Sts. Cleopa and Paise of Sihăstria.
Archimandrite Cleopa (Ilie)Cleopa (Ilie), Archimandrite
“>St. Cleopa and his spiritual father 
My Spiritual Father Paisie the HermitFew monks and confessors are able to successfully combine the labors of a hermit with ministry as a spiritual father, solitude with an abundance of spiritual children, love for God with love for neighbor, hidden tears with pain of heart for disciples.”>St. Paisie are among the 16 confessors and ascetics of the 20th-century canonized by the Romanian Holy Synod 
Romanian Synod canonizes 16 martyrs, confessors, and ascetics of the 20th-centuryThe Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church formally approved the canonization of more than a dozen martyrs, confessors, and ascetics of the 20th century at its session on July 11–12.”>in July. St. Cleopa has long been known and loved by the English-speaking Orthodox world thanks to translations of his life and teachings.
The newly established parish will oversee the spiritual, pastoral, and social life of Romanians in the town of Orte and its surroundings. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Romanian Orthodox Church’s Diocese of Italy, reports the Basilica News Agency.
Photo: episcopia-italiei.it
The first service took place on Sunday, November 3, celebrated by Fr. Alexandru Cosma.
Romania: Monastic house consecrated in honor of Elders Cleopa and Paisie (Olaru)The great 20th-century Elders Cleopa (Ilie) and Paisie (Olaru) were officially named the patrons of the new residential building at a monastery in northeastern Romania.
“>In February 2022, Sts. Cleopa and Paisie were named the patrons of the residential building at Coșula Monastery in Western Moldavia.
A monastery named for them is being built in Vadu Negrilesei, Suceava, near one of the sites where Elder Cleopa labored for years in hermitic asceticism due to the persecutions of the communist authorities. His cell at the site, which was restored in 2015, was consecrated on 
Cell and spring of Elder Cleopa consecrated in mountains where he hid from Communist regimeElder Cleopa spent many years living in almost total seclusion, praying for the suffering Romanian people and for the whole world. He retreated to the Stânisoara Mountains in the 1950s.
“>December 2021.
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