Sihăstria Monastery
Sihăstria Monastery, founded in 1655 by the hermit Atanasie, is a centre of Romanian hesychasm. It is known as the resting place of the great spiritual father Cleopa Ilie and as an important place of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat.
Key facts
Founded by:
The hermit Atanasie (1655); rebuilt by Bishop Ghedeon of Roman (1734)
Patron feast:
The Nativity of the Mother of God (8 September)
Type:
Monastery for monks; part of the Archdiocese of Iași
What to see:
- The old stone church (1734, Moldavian style)
- The “St Teodora of Sihla” cathedral
- The cell and tomb of Father Cleopa Ilie
- The monastic cemetery – resting place of great Romanian spiritual fathers
- St Cleopa Hermitage
Atmosphere:
A centre of Romanian hesychasm, a place of pilgrimage and spiritual retreat
Great Romanian spiritual fathers
Archimandrite Cleopa Ilie
(1912–1998) The great spiritual father of the Romanian people, a preacher and spiritual guide to thousands of believers
Archimandrite Paisie Olaru
Confessor and abbot of Sihăstria, who carried on the hesychast tradition
Father Ioanichie Bălan
Theologian, hagiographer and scholar of Orthodox spiritual life
Contact and information
Address
Vânători-Neamț commune
Neamț County
Website
sihastria.mmb.roMonastic life
Unbroken since the 17th century
A living hesychast tradition
Getting there
Distance
24 km west of Târgu Neamț
Location
Vânători-Neamț commune
A secluded, quiet natural setting
Pilgrimage
An important place of spiritual retreat
Moldavian monastery circuit
A centre of Romanian hesychasm
Visit the resting place of Father Cleopa Ilie, then continue your spiritual journey with the Piatra Neamț cable car