14th century – 1432
A Moldavian monk and priest who founded a monastery near Radauti and later served as bishop, glorified for his holiness and wonders.
Our Father among the Saints Leontius, Bishop of Radauti
Leontius of Radauti was a Moldavian monastic and hierarch who lived in the fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries. Born at Radauti, he was tonsured a monk under the name Laurence and founded a monastery near the town before being elevated to the episcopal see of Radauti on the recommendation of Prince Alexander the Good.
After guiding his diocese for many years he withdrew into the wilderness as a solitary ascetic, where he received the Great Schema and the name Leontius shortly before his death. His relics were later found incorrupt, and he was formally glorified by the Orthodox Church of Romania in 1992.
Spending your entire life in spiritual endeavors,
and being found worthy to be a bishop,
you served the Church of Christ with humility and in the fear of God.
Holy Hierarch Leontius, entreat the Lord to save our souls.
Text used with permission of the Orthodox Church in America (oca.org).
The see of Radauti was founded in 1402, and according to the tradition recorded in his life it was Prince Alexander the Good who recommended Leontius for the office of bishop. He is remembered as having governed his flock with wisdom over a long episcopate before retiring to the solitary life.
The synaxarion relates that he received the grace of working miracles and healed the sick through prayer during his lifetime.
His holy relics were reported to have been found incorrupt, and accounts relate that many received healing at his tomb. His relics are kept in the church of Bogdana Monastery in Radauti.
Browse other saints who share his calling and place.