Pachomius the Hermit of Pocrov

Pachomius was a hieroschemamonk and hermit in the forests of Pocrov, on Chiriacu Mountain, in the second half of the nineteenth century. He was buried beside the church of Pocrov Skete. 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 first struggled at Neamț Monastery, where he received priesthood. Then he withdrew to nearby Chiriacu Mountain, as was the custom of the place, and lived there as a hermit to the end. He spent all week in fasting, prayer and stillness, and on Sunday came to the Liturgy at Pocrov Skete. He was known in villages and monasteries for his struggle, and the Paterikon says he had the gift of wisdom and of driving out unclean spirits. Monks sought him for confession, laity for healing.

The Paterikon tells of a case toward the end of the century: a forty-⁠year-⁠old man from the village of Pipirig fell terribly ill and was taken by the villagers to Pocrov. The abbot shut him in a cell and called Pachomius to read the prayers of Saint Basil the Great. All fasted three days for the sick man, and the elder read prayers of exorcism with tears every midnight. At the end of the three nights the sick man came to his senses, confessed, was anointed with the holy oil, received Communion and went home well.

Pachomius remained on Chiriacu Mountain until great old age, fell asleep in peace and was buried beside the church of Pocrov Skete.