†) Ven. Raphael and Parthenius of old Agapia; Ven. Simeon and John the Ascetic; Prophet Ezekiel; The Veneration of the Icon of the Mother of God from Dintr-un Lemn Monastery

Orthodox Calendar, July 21 Venerable Raphael from Agapia Venerable Raphael lived in the old monastic settlement of  Agapia in the Hills , in the 16 th century. He was acclaimed especially in Moldavia, as one of the great Romanian Saints, whose relics Saint Hierarch Dosoftei, metropolitan of Moldavia, looked to venerate them.

According to certain chronicles, Saint Raphael was born in Bursucani village, in the Bârlad area, as the son to some virtuous parents. The fame of the high spiritual life of the monks from “Agapie’s Monastery” attracted many followers of Christ, going beyond the boundaries of Moldavia and even beyond the Carpathians. The pious man listened to his inner call and obedience to God wishing to walk on the narrow spiritual path the hermits had walked throughout the centuries.

He was very surprised to see the austere life, prayer, and silence of the fathers. But most of all he was impressed by the spirit of their sincere love. He became a disciple of the fathers with a love for Christ and good courage in his soul.

He learned from them that obedience was the most precious virtue and that only the pure-hearted could enter the Kingdom of God, but to attain…