You can visit the cell of Father Cleopa Ilie at Sihastria Monastery from Neamt County. Father Cleopa was one of the greatest monks that lived in modern times in Romania. His words of wisdom were listen by thousands of pilgrims that came to Sihastria Monastery. Since Father Cleopa left this world, the small cell where he lived became a place of pilgrimage.

The road to the cell begins right at the entrance in the monastery. You go near the old church from Sihastria Monastery and follow a sign that points pilgrims to Father Cleopa’s cell. In the cell you’ll find objects that belong to father Cleopa: icons, religious books, the small chair used for praying, his shoes, clothes and so much more.

Although father Cleopa Ilie is no longer present in his cell to welcome the visitors a special feeling surrounds you. For a moment you stop talking and in the silence you try to hear something that it’s not there. And then you realize that what father Cleopa said his entire life was true: “Patience, patience, patience!”.

The cell of Father Cleopa from the steep hill where is located at Sihastria Monastery represents a testimony of his life, his beliefs and his love for people and it represents a small comfort for those that visit it.

The benches from the front of the cell where Father Cleopa spoke to pilgrims are now empty. The words are now present only in books or videos of Father Cleopa but that special voice, that special way of talking, that tone is still present in everything connected to Father Cleopa.

He used to welcome anyone that visit him with the words “Manca-v-ar raiul sa va manance!” which in an approximate translation means “May Heaven eat you!”. Of course that he was spiking metaphorically but the raw power of those words impress generations over generations and will still impress anyone that will hear it!

If you visit the cell of Father Cleopa Ilie don’t forget that before you go to light a candle in the cemetery from Sihastria Monastery, at his tomb. Right near his tomb you’ll also see the tomb of Father Paisie Olaru that was a friend of father Cleopa Ilie. Now they’re side by side in the small cemetery from Sihastria Monastery.

You can also see photos of Sihastria Monastery and a video presentation.