Bishop
Saint Callinicus of Cernica, Bishop of Râmnic, in the world Constantine, was born on October 7, 1787, in Bucharest into a pious family. From a young age, he was influenced by Christian life and prayer, receiving education in a Greek-Romanian school. In 1807, he entered the Cernica Monastery, where he was tonsured into monasticism with the name Callinicus in 1808.
The saint lived a life of strict fasting and prayer, demonstrating humility and love for people. In 1813, after an epidemic, he was compelled to accept the priestly rank. In 1818, he became the abbot of the Cernica Monastery, where he proved himself to be a skillful leader, increasing the number of monks to 350 and founding many new buildings and schools.
During the Greek uprising of 1821, the saint took in refugees, protecting them from Turkish reprisals. His prayers repeatedly saved the monastery from destruction. The saint also cared for the poor, founding schools and churches in the surrounding villages.
In 1850, he was elected Bishop of Râmnic. Upon arriving at his new place of service, he found the diocese in a difficult state and began to restore it by opening a seminary and building new churches. The saint actively participated in public life, supporting the unification of Romania.
Saint Callinicus was known for his piety, mercy, and spiritual gifts. He predicted important events and healed the sick. He died on April 11, 1868, having foretold his death. His relics were placed in the Church of St. George at the Cernica Monastery. On February 28, 1950, he was canonized, and his glorification took place on October 23, 1955.
