Patriarch Daniel: Saints Nazaria, Olympias, and Elizabeth of Văratec are models of prayer, diligence and charity

Patriarch Daniel of Romania has presented Saints Nazaria, Olympias and Elizabeth of Văratec as three distinct examples of holiness united by unceasing prayer, humble charity and diligent service to others. He delivered his message on the occasion of the local proclamation of their canonisation at Văratec Monastery.

Saints Nazaria, Olympias and Elizabeth of Văratec – models of hesychast prayer, diligence and charity At Văratec Monastery, in a place blessed by Saint Paisius (Velichkovsky) of Neamț as a dwelling place of prayer for souls thirsting for God, a monastic community took shape over the centuries, which gave the Church three outstanding examples of spiritual life: Saint Nazaria, the first abbess of Văratec; Saint Olympias, the foundress of Văratec Monastery; and Saint Elizabeth Brâncoveanu, a noblewoman who dedicated the final years of her life to prayer and spiritual asceticism.

Though different in origin, these three saints meet on a single spiritual foundation: unceasing prayer carried in the mystery of the heart, charity practised with humility and discretion, and diligence and merciful love poured out upon those in need.

1. Hesychast women of prayer…