The Printing activity of Saint Calinic, Bishop of Râmnic

(1850-1868)

Abstract

The present study analyzes the typographic activity of Saint Hierarch Calinic, Bishop of Râmnic Noul Severin, viewed as a concrete expression of the episcopal teaching ministry within the Church. Numerous canonical norms assign various responsibilities to the bishop, in his capacity as doctrinal authority within the diocese (cf. Canons 71, 121, and 123 of the Council of Carthage).

Among these duties are the following: a thorough knowledge of the truth of faith (cf. Canon 2 of the Se­venth Ecumenical Council; Canons 2, 10, and 11 of the Council of Sardica); the pastoral care for the theological formation of the diocesan clergy (cf. Canon 80 of the Apostolic Canons and Canon 2 of the First Ecumenical Council); the concern for the seriousness with which the clergy (priests and deacons) preach the truth of faith in the parishes of the diocese (cf. Canons 33 and 35 of the Apostolic Canons); love and willingness to teach the faithful the unaltered doctrinal truth (cf. Canon 2 of the Quinisext Council), through preaching (cf. Canon 19 of the Quinisext Council) and catechesis (cf. Canons 95 of the Quinisext Council and 7 of the Second Ecumenical Council).

In the case of Saint Hierarch Calinic, Bishop of Râmnic Noul Severin, the teaching ministry was embodied in several major initiatives and achievements. Among these was the rich and fruitful typographic activity that he carried out within the Diocese of Râmnic Noul Severin.