The Law of Saint Calinic and its importance for the Diocese of Râmnic

Abstract

The present study presents an important aspect of the pastoral-canonical activity of Saint Hierarch Calinic, Bishop of Râmnic (1850 – 1868), namely the way in which he exercised the teaching power of the Church, during a difficult period of the Episcopate of Râmnic.
In the first part of the study, the personality of Hierarch Calinic, bishop of Râmnic, is highlighted. Saint Hierarch Calinic, a good connoisseur of the canons of the Orthodox Church, wanted to know and apply them throughout the territory of the Diocese of Râmnic, which is why he printed in 1862 the book entitled Manual of Church Laws. Although he is not the author of this book, Saint Calinic prints the Manual of Laws and introduces certain teachings into it, thus proving a careful involvement in the organization of church life within the Episcopate of Râmnic, in accordance with the canons of the Orthodox Church.
The largest part of the study carried out is an analysis of the Law manual printed by the Holy Hierarch Calinic and has the role of highlighting not only the decisions and canonical norms that it contained, but also the way in which they were adapted to concrete needs of the Romanian Orthodox clergy and faithful people.