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The Gura Izvorului monastery honored its patron: PS Andrei pleaded for the rediscovery of the longing for Godtranslated

September 4, 2026 · 1 min read

The longing for God must become the foundation of the Christian's life, said His Holiness Father Andrei, Bishop of Covasna and Harghita, on Thursday, when the Harghita Gura Izvorului monastery honored one of its patrons - St. Cuv. Neophyte.

Father Bishop Andrei officiated the Holy Liturgy and spoke about the life of hardship and love for God that characterized the life of the Saint Pious Neophyte.

Starting from the words of Psalm 41 - "As the deer longs for the springs of water, so my soul longs for You, God", His Eminence recalled that the saint lived as a hermit for 30 years in the solitude of the mountain, in fasting, prayer and endurance of temptations, seeking to get closer and closer to God and to achieve spiritual perfection.

The life of Saint Pious Neophyte thus remains a living testimony of the power of prayer, of effort and of the unceasing longing for God, His Eminence said.

Supporter Awards Six supporters of the Gura Humorului Monastery were awarded on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with the Diocesan Order "Confessors of the Ancient Faith" of the Diocese of Covasna and Harghita. Photo: Bishopric of Covasna and...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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Matthew Young

That line from Psalm 41 about the deer panting for water really stuck with me. Thirty years alone on the mountain in prayer and fasting is something I can barely wrap my head around while I’m rushing between the kitchen and picking up the boys from school. Thanks for sharing the article; it makes me want to carve out a little more quiet time this week.

Георгий Новиков

That moment with Psalm 41 about the deer thirsting for water is really catchy. When we’re fishing, when you’re sitting by the river early in the morning and everything around you is asking only for water, you immediately remember how it’s about the soul. And thirty years in the mountains alone is beyond my understanding; I can’t even stand a week without my family. Thanks for reminding me.

Thomas Hall

That Psalm 41 line about the deer really hits home, like Matthew and Георгий said. I think about it every time I water the tomatoes in the backyard and they perk right up. Thirty years alone on a mountain puts my own little struggles with prayer into perspective, that’s for sure.