Arsenie Boca was a 20th-century Romanian Orthodox priest, theologian, and artist who served as a hegumen. Born in Vața de Sus in 1910, he pursued theological studies in Sibiu and studied fine arts in Bucharest. He held leadership roles at the Brâncoveanu Monastery, where he contributed to the translation of the Philokalia. Throughout his life, he faced significant persecution from the communist regime and the Securitate, resulting in multiple arrests and imprisonments. He is recognized as a saint within the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Life and service
After completing his studies, Boca entered monastic life in 1940 at the Brâncoveanu Monastery. As its abbot, he focused on both spiritual growth and the physical renovation of the monastery. His intellectual work included assisting with Romanian translations of early Church writings. Due to his perceived connections to anti-communist resistance, the authorities subjected him to constant surveillance, imprisonment, and forced transfers between various monasteries, including Prislop and Sinaia.
Art and legacy
An accomplished muralist, Boca produced religious works that sometimes sparked debate due to his unique iconographic style. He died in 1989 in Sinaia and was laid to rest at Prislop Monastery. Following his death, he gained widespread recognition, being named among the greatest Romanians in a 2006 public poll. In 2025, the Romanian Orthodox Church officially canonized him as a saint.