Eustathius of Probota

Eustathius was a schemamonk at Probota Monastery in the sixteenth century, a disciple of Innocent, venerated by the people and counted by Metropolitan Dosoftei among the Romanian saints. The Paterikon calls him Saint Eustathius of Probota. He is venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization; the sources available to us give no day of commemoration.

He came from the villages of the Siret Valley. Hearing of the life of the monks of Probota and above all of Innocent's struggle, he left everything and became his disciple. The Paterikon says that he followed him perfectly in deeds and struggled many years in a hermit's cell in the monastery's forests. In a few years he passed through many monastic labours, learning the fear of God from everyone and surpassing many in humility, prayer and love. Tradition credits him with the gift of wonder-⁠working and says he was loved by God and by people, and each one benefited from his prayer and holiness.

He passed to the Lord after reaching his teacher's measure and was counted among the Holy Fathers. His time coincides with the abbacy of Gregory Roșca at Probota (1523-1546), when the monastery had nearly a hundred monks and, according to the Paterikon, two great holy monks, Innocent and Eustathius, shone in it. Metropolitan Dosoftei, who had taken his vows at Probota, venerated the relics of both.