Roman of Tarnovo

Venerable Roman of Tarnovo was a Bulgarian monk of the Kilifarevo monastery near Tarnovo, a disciple and helper of Saint Theodosius of Tarnovo. The Church commemorates him on 17 February.

Roman came of a distinguished family of Tarnovo and became a monk in one of the monasteries of the capital. Seeking a worthy teacher, he presented himself to Theodosius of Tarnovo when the latter came to Tarnovo from the Paroria monastery. Theodosius had been sent by Gregory of Sinai to Tsar Ivan Alexander, to ask protection against the robbers who raged around the monastery. Theodosius had long known Roman, but now, moved by his entreaties, he took him with him.

Gregory of Sinai received the new brother, who became a model of monastic zeal. After some years the abbot sent Roman on monastery business to the tsar at Tarnovo. On 27 November 1346 Gregory died, and Roman went away to the mountains near Sliven, where Theodosius also arrived. From there the two set out for the Holy Mountain, but because of Turkish attacks they were forced to leave it. Roman returned to the monastery near Sliven, while Theodosius visited Beroea and Constantinople. They were united again and for some time stayed in the monasteries around Nesebar. Seeking a new refuge, they settled at Kefalarevo (Kilifarevo), where they founded a community on the pattern of the Sinaite one.

Roman of Tarnovo became the most faithful helper of Theodosius in all his undertakings. Theodosius went to Constantinople, where he died in the autumn of 1363, leaving Roman as his deputy. By then the monastic brotherhood had already settled in the place called Ustie, near Tarnovo, at the Holy Trinity monastery. According to the Life of Saint Theodosius of Tarnovo, Roman suffered for years from a very severe cough, but by strength of spirit and self-⁠discipline he overcame the suffering. Tormented by illness, he died on 17 February. The Church keeps his memory on the same day. The source does not give the year of his death, but it followed 1363. In Bulgaria not a single church is dedicated to Saint Roman of Tarnovo.