During a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on August 30-31, 2025, two Romanian ascetics who lived on Mount Athos were canonized as saints. This was reported by the Orthodoxia news agency, citing an official statement.

The newly recognized saints are Elder Dionysius (Ignat) from the cell of Saint George in the Kalyva of Kolitsou near the Vatopedi Monastery, and Hieromonk Petronius (Tănase), a long-time abbot of the Romanian Prodromos Skete, which belongs to the Great Lavra. The feast day of Saint Dionysius will be celebrated annually on May 11, while that of Saint Petronius will be observed on February 24.

The initiative for their canonization came from the Romanian Orthodox Church, which prepared the necessary liturgical texts and submitted them to Constantinople: for Elder Dionysius in 2021 and for Elder Petronius in 2022. The decision to canonize them coincides with the centenary celebration of the establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate.

Romanian Patriarch Daniel commented on the event, noting that both ascetics maintained a deep love for their homeland while also gaining recognition and respect not only among Romanians but also among Greek monks on Mount Athos.

The canonization was made possible because both elders completed their earthly lives on Mount Athos, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which holds the final authority in matters of veneration of Athonite ascetics.

It is worth mentioning that the relics of Elder Dionysius were discovered in the cell of Saint George Kolitsou in November 2022, while the relics of Elder Petronius were found in the Prodromos Skete in April 2023.

Elder Dionysius (Ignat, 1909–2004) lived on Mount Athos for 78 years and was a spiritual father to many well-known Athonite ascetics, including Elder Joseph of Vatopedi. He became renowned as a practitioner of the Jesus Prayer and a mentor to numerous pilgrims.

Elder Petronius (Tănase, 1916–2011) received his theological education in Bucharest and endured persecution under the communist regime in Romania. Since 1978, he lived on Mount Athos, where he led the Romanian Prodromos Skete. Under his leadership, the skete was revitalized and improved. His spiritual works, particularly the book "The Gates of Repentance," gained widespread recognition.