Nicodemus of Putna

Nicodemus was a hieromonk, calligrapher and miniaturist who came from Neamț to Putna in 1470 and wrote the Humor Tetraevangelion for Stephen the Great. He is named in the Romanian Paterikon and venerated by the faithful, without synodal canonization; the sources available to us give no day of commemoration.

He had taken his vows at Neamț Monastery. He learned from the disciples of Gabriel Uric the art of miniature painting and of copying books, and became one of the most skilled miniaturist calligraphers of the lavra. He lived in monastic struggle, in prayer and in copying spiritual books. He was also a confessor of monks and laity, helping the salvation of many souls.

In 1470 he went to Putna with Abbot Joasaph. Stephen the Great ordered him to write a Tetraevangelion for Humor Monastery, which he finished on 17 June 1473. The Paterikon says that the manuscript, with its miniatures, icons, ornaments and calligraphy, is the most precious Tetraevangelion preserved in the country today. It includes the icon of the Mother of God and of the four evangelists, as well as a portrait of Stephen the Great. On its cover the prince is painted on his knees, offering his gift to the Mother of God.

Nicodemus passed to the Lord in peace toward the end of the fifteenth century, leaving a few illuminated manuscripts and several spiritual children.