Ven. Anthony of Iezeru-Vâlcea Skete

Commemorated on November 23.

After praying to the Mother of God, he began to hollow out a space for a small chapel. When it was finished, it was consecrated by Bishop Hilarion of Râmnicu Vâlcea. In this little chapel, the blessed one prayed unceasingly, together with the Angels in heaven, reading the daily Services, and making hundreds of prostrations. Who can describe his long fasts for three days and more, his all-night vigils, his battles with unseen enemies who cannot abide the humility and hardships of the Saints, and his fervent prayer and incessant tears from his heart? He never slept for more than two or three hours a night, nor did he eat anything but breadcrumbs soaked in water and salt, with a few vegetables that he grew in his little garden. He repeated the Jesus Prayer unceasingly from his heart, and he read the Psalms with many tears of humility.

Saint Anthony’s holy life became known throughout the area, and many of the clergy and laity flocked to him for spiritual advice or consolation in their sorrows. He received them with love, gave them the help they needed, and then sent them home in peace. Through his influence, a genuine spiritual revival took place in sub-Carpathian Oltenia.

Saint Anthony fell asleep in the Lord in 1714 after twenty-five years of spiritual struggles. His disciples mourned him, and buried him beside his small chapel. His Life was written by his disciple Father Nicholas. The faithful still go there to light candles and to pray, asking for his blessing and assistance.

Saint Anthony the Hesychast was glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992. The inscription on his scroll reads “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”