On July 11-12, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Patriarchate convened and decided to canonize 16 new Romanian saints from the 20th century, for whom liturgical texts will be prepared.

These 16 new saints are individuals who bore witness to Christ during difficult times and in environments hostile to faith in God. Romanian Patriarch Daniel emphasized in his address: "It is very important to specially honor the memory of spiritual fathers and priests of the period of communist persecutions during the difficult moments of the 20th century."

Among the newly canonized saints is the renowned theologian Dumitru Stăniloae, professor of dogmatic theology in Sibiu and Bucharest, whose memory will be commemorated on October 4. Also included is Archimandrite Sofian Boghiu (1912–2002), one of the most revered Romanian elders and a famous iconographer, whose memory will be commemorated on September 16. Elder Paisius (Olaru) (1897-1990) from Sihăstria Monastery, also known as Paisius the Hermit, is another notable figure. Additionally, Elder Cleopa (Ilie), abbot of Sihăstria Monastery and one of the most revered elders in Romania, will also be canonized. The memory of these two ascetics will be commemorated on December 2.

The Synod's decree and the full list of new saints have been published on the basilica.ro website. Icons for most of the new saints have already been painted and approved, and liturgical texts are currently being composed. The celebration of the glorification of these saints will take place in 2025, when the Romanian Orthodox Church will celebrate the centenary of its recognition as a Patriarchate.

Photo: Saints Cleopa and Paisius from Sihăstria (December 2) / basilica.ro