+) Ven. Teodora of Sihla; +) Ven. Paphnutius the Iconographer; Ven. Martyr Dometius the Persian; Holy Hierarch Narcissus, archbishop of Jerusalem; Ven. Nikanor of Mount Kallistratos

Orthodox Calendar, August 7 Venerable Theodora of Sihla

This spiritual flower and bride of Christ that the blessed land of Moldavia gave birth to, was born about the middle of the 17 th century, in Vânători-Neamţ village, to righteous parents obedient to God.

Her father, Ştefan Joldea the Armorer was a guardian at the Citadel of Neamţ and warden, as his name shows, namely he made weapons for those who were guarding the famous Moldavian Citadel. Her mother, whose name is not known, took care of her household and of the good education of her two daughters, Theodora and Maghiţa (Marghioliţa), in God’s faith.

Soon the younger daughter died and blessed Theodora grew in prayer and good deeds, loving Christ from the bottom of her heart and wishing to dedicate all her life to Him, advised by her father confessor, Saint John from Râşca, abbot of Neamţ Monastery at the time. But the will of her parents was different, so that Theodora was married against her own will to a religious young man from Ismail.

Because they had no children and Theodora’s soul was so much devoted to loving Christ wishing to live a pure life dedicated only to Him, they agreed to join the monastic life.…