113 years since the birth of Archim. Ilarion Argatu, one of the most famous Romanian clergymen of the last centurytranslated

113 years ago, on August 2, 1913, Archimandrite Ilarion Argatu was born, one of the most well-known and sought-after clerics of Romanian Orthodoxy from the second half of the last century.

His life, marked by the trials of the communist regime and an intense pastoral activity, remained in the memory of the faithful through his zeal for confession, prayer and spiritual guidance.

Born in the village of Valea Glodului, Suceava county, in a large and faithful family, he received the name John at baptism. He attended school in his native village and the Theological Seminary at the Neamț Monastery, after which he graduated from the Faculty of Theology in Chernivtsi.

After his marriage, he was ordained a priest in 1940 and served in several parishes in Moldova. During the Second World War he was a military priest, and after the establishment of the communist regime he had to face many difficulties and persecutions.

Widowed in 1973, he entered monasticism at the Neamț Monastery, receiving the name Ilarion. He was later ordained an archimandrite and served in several monasteries, including Cernica, Antim and Bistrita (Neamț), becoming known throughout the country for his ministry as a priest.

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