Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic

Putna monastery holds memorial service for victims of Soviet-era Fântâna Albă massacre: They died facing the homeland

The monastic community of Putna Monastery held a memorial service on Wednesday in remembrance of the thousands of Northern Bukovinians massacred by Soviet forces at Fântâna Albă as they attempted to cross peacefully into Romania, seeking refuge in their motherland following the occupation of Northern Bukovina. “A tragedy, a sorrow, a sacrifice about which, for…

Apr 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Abbot of Putna Monastery presents Icon of Saint Jacob of Putna to Antiochian Metropolitan Saba

A delegation from Putna Monastery, led by Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic, abbot of the holy monastery, recently visited the United States, where they took part in the patronal feast—celebrated in advance—of St. Demetrius Monastery in Middletown, New York. On this occasion, Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic and Archimandrite Ieremia Berbec, abbot of the Romanian monastery in Middletown and…

Oct 23, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Putna Monastery’s Abbot: Our holy ancestors speak to us this year and urge for a national resurrection

On Easter night, the V. Rev. Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic spoke about the ancestors’ call for a national resurrection. But “a resurrection of the people cannot be achieved without God’s people,” said Mihai Eminescu. It will be possible only if we put Christ and His name in everything. This will enlighten each of us, and the…

May 5, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu

“Let us strive to be like God by sharing in the humility of Christ,” Putna’s Abbot urges

Humility is the first lesson presented to us in the period of the Triodion, leading up to Great Lent and Holy Pascha. Humility must be the foundation of our spiritual life, for virtues can be acquired only if we “strive to be like God by sharing in the humility of Christ,” Archimandrite Melchisedec, the abbot…

Feb 25, 2021Aurelian Iftimiu