15/27 July 1818 – Metropolitan of Moldova IOSIF NANIESCU (baptised Ioan) was born at Răzălăi village, county of Soroca. Studies at the Seminary of Buzău (1836 – 1840) and “Saint Sava” College of Bucharest (1840 – 1847). Monk since 1835, in 1859 he was ordained hieromonk; abbot at the Monasteries of Şerbăneşti, Găiseni and Sărindar in Wallachia (1849 – 1864), Religion professor at “Gheorghe Lazăr” and “Matei Basarab” gymnasiums of Bucharest (1864 – 1873), ordained hierarch in 1872; Bishop of Argeş (1873 – 1875), then Metropolitan of Moldova (1875 – 1902). During his pastoral service he had the Metropolitan Cathedral of Iaşi built and painted (1881 – 1887) and several churches of Iaşi restored; he moved “Veniamin” Seminary from Socola Monastery to a former princely palace in Iaşi; he helped tens of young people to study. He published sermons and speeches (mostly those delivered at the Senate). He donated his rich library to the Romanian Academy (honorary member since 1888). He passed away on 26 January 1902, in Iaşi.