Famous Romanian Spiritual & Religious Leaders

Saint Patrick was a Romano-British bishop and Christian missionary in Ireland. Widely regarded as the main patron saint of Ireland, Patrick is often referred to as the Apostle of Ireland. According to early medieval tradition, Patrick is credited with popularizing Christianity in Ireland. His life and work inspired the 2000 TV historical drama film, St. Patrick: The Irish Legend.

Joel Teitelbaum was a Romanian philosopher and rabbi. He is credited with founding the Satmar dynasty. An important personality in the post-war renaissance of Hasidic Judaism, Teitelbaum is best remembered for adopting a strictly conservative line and rejecting modernity. He was also a fierce opponent of Zionism.

The bishop of Avila, Priscillian was a nobleman from Roman Hispania. He led an ascetic movement, which stressed on the study of apocryphal books, apart from the Bible. His interest in the occult and charismatic prophesies led to him being charged with sorcery and, eventually, executed for heresy.

Solomon Schechter was a Moldavian-born American educator, academic scholar, and rabbi. He is credited with founding the United Synagogue of America where he also served as the president. He is also remembered for his association with the Jewish Theological Seminary of America where he served as the president. Solomon Schechter is also credited with shaping American Conservative Judaism.

Patriarch Daniel of Romania is the head of the Romanian Orthodox Church. After having entered the monastic life in 1987, Daniel served under Cleopa Ilie in the Sihăstria Monastery. He then started teaching Theology in 1992. Patriarch Daniel of Romania is often praised for his diplomacy and intellectual skills.

Nicetas of Remesiana is best remembered for his service as the Bishop of Remesiana, which is currently situated in Serbia. He is credited with composing numerous liturgical hymns and advocated the use of Latin sacred music during the Eucharistic worship. Nicetas of Remesiana is also remembered for his missionary activity. His feast day is observed on 22 June. 

Teoctist Arăpașu was a Romanian religious leader who served as the head of the Romanian Orthodox Church. In 1999, he invited Pope John Paul II to Romania, which marked the maiden visit of a Pope to an Eastern Orthodox country since 1054. 

Teodosie Petrescu is a Romanian cleric. Since 2001, he has been serving as the Archbishop of Tomis. Since 2002, he has also been serving as a professor, having received his Doctor of Theology degree in July 1999. In 2002, Teodosie Petrescu was honored with the Order of the Star of Romania.

Patriarch Justinian of Romania was a Romanian Orthodox prelate. He is best remembered for serving as the head of the Romanian Orthodox Church between 1948 and 1977. Justinian is credited with elevating the prestige of Romanian Orthodoxy, especially in the Christian world.