Hierarch Saint Callinicus of Cernica

Saint Callinicus of Cernica (Constantin Antonescu) was born on 7 October 1787 in Bucharest to pious parents. Around 1807 he entered Cernica Monastery near Bucharest and was tonsured a monk in 1808, taking the name Calinic. He visited Mount Athos around 1817.

In 1818 he was elected abbot of Cernica, a post he held for 32 years, during which he built churches, schools, and an infirmary for the poor. In 1850 he was consecrated Bishop of Râmnicu Vâlcea, where he reopened the seminary, established a printing press, and restored damaged churches throughout the diocese. He lived ascetically, keeping strict fasts and giving generously to the poor.

He retired to Cernica in 1867 and reposed there on 11 April 1868. The Romanian Holy Synod canonized him on 28 February 1950, with solemn glorification on 23 October 1955 at Cernica. His feast is 11/24 April.