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

Patriarch Daniel spoke at Văratec Monastery during the local canonisation of Saints Nazaria, Olympias and Elizabeth, describing them as exemplars of prayer, charity and diligence. He highlighted their unceasing prayer, humility and service to others as the core of their holiness.

Add Basilica as your preferred source on Google 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.

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.

Unceasing prayer was the spiritual nourishment of Saints Nazaria, Olympias and Elizabeth. They attained perfection in monastic asceticism, reaching purity of heart and the vision of divine light, as our Lord Jesus Christ teaches in the words: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Saint Nazaria practised asceticism according to the hesychast tradition, following the teachings of Saint Basil of Poiana Mărului on unceasing prayer. She was constantly concerned with spiritual life, read and copied the writings of the great hesychasts, frequently prayed the Psalms, knew many passages of Holy Scripture by heart, and, through the power of her prayers, brought comfort and healing to the sick.

Through her exemplary life, Saint Nazaria became a spiritual guide and mentor to the nuns, carrying forward the teachings she received from the hesychast spiritual fathers who guided her: Saints Basil of Poiana Mărului, Paisius of Neamț, and Joseph of Văratec.

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