Studia Theologica No. II (IX) / 2019
Saint Antim Ivireanul, Hierarch and Martyr – champion of the Romanian language and a printer in the hearts of the faithful
His Eminence Varsanufie Saint Antim Ivireanul, Hierarch and Martyr, Bishop of Râmnic from 1705 to 1708 and subsequently Metropolitan of Wallachia, is regarded as a founding figure of Romanian culture and spirituality, owing to his work as a printer — including The Book of Joy and nine other books published in Râmnic —, as a preacher, icon painter and spiritual guide, whose martyr’s death crowned a lifetime devoted to the service of the Church and the Romanian people.