A popular Romanian monk who was “a light in the darkness of the world” has died at the age of 42 after catching Covid-19.
Father Varlaam, the abbot of the Partos Monastery in southwestern Romania died overnight Monday, the monastery said.
Simply known as “Padre,” to his followers, the Romanian Orthodox monk was being treated at the intensive care unit at the Victor Babes Hospital in the city of Timisoara for the past few days, the monastery said on a post on Facebook.
He was admitted to hospital three weeks ago after testing positive for the virus.
The monk was known for his charitable works and for helping children in needy local families many of whom he taught to read and write, according to opiniatimisoarei.ro.
Father Varlaam announced that he’d tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on Oct. 15 and appealed to people to wear masks and respect social distancing rules.
He was ordained 14 years ago and became the abbot of Partos Monastery two years later.
“He was like a light in the darkness of the word, shining through deeds and words,” the Partos Monastery said.
“He’s gone home to the place his heart called home, though he dedicated himself to all people.”
„After 18-day battle with SARS-CoV-2, Padre has gone to the Lord.”
