Anthony of Iezerul Vâlcii

Venerable Anthony of Iezerul Vâlcii, also called Anthony the Hesychast, was born in the sub-⁠Carpathian mountains of Vâlcea County and loved Christ from childhood. He visited many monasteries and sketes in the region, talking with the hesychasts who sought stillness in the mountains, and entered monastic life at Iezeru Skete in the wilderness of Vâlcea.

In 1690, having gained experience in the spiritual life, his abbot blessed him to live alone, a few kilometres above the skete, on the mountain of the same name. After long searching he found a small cave in a rock, where for three years he dug out a chapel with hammer and chisel, working by day and keeping vigil by night. The chapel was consecrated by Bishop Hilarion of Râmnic. There he prayed unceasingly, read the daily services and made hundreds of prostrations. He slept two or three hours a night and ate only crumbs of bread soaked in salted water, with a few vegetables from his garden, saying the Jesus Prayer without ceasing. He became known throughout the region, and clergy and laity came to him for counsel and consolation, which meant a spiritual renewal in sub-⁠Carpathian Oltenia.

He fell asleep in the Lord in 1714, after twenty-⁠five years of struggle, and was buried beside his chapel. His Life was written by his disciple, Father Nicholas. The Romanian Orthodox Church glorified him in 1992. He is commemorated on 23 November (new style).