BISHOP CHESARIE OF RÂMNIC – A PROMINENT HIERARCH AND SCHOLAR OF THE 18TH CENTURY
BISHOP CHESARIE OF RÂMNIC – A PROMINENT HIERARCH AND SCHOLAR OF THE 18TH CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the life and work of Bishop Chesarie of Râmnic (1773-1780), a prominent figure of the Wallachian Church, highlighting his contributions to religious and cultural life. Chesarie's tenure as bishop coincided with a period of intellectual and political ferment. His multifaceted activities included church administration, publishing religious books, and translating important texts. Chesarie's prefaces to the Romanian edition of the Mineie, a collection of twelve liturgical books, reveal a profound historical vision, innovative for its time, and showcase his erudite, elegant style. This research delves into Chesarie's intellectual formation, influenced by both Byzantine tradition and Western Enlightenment ideas. His writings reflect a keen understanding of European intellectual currents. They integrate classical and contemporary sources, demonstrating independent judgment and a commitment to the Romanian language and national identity. Chesarie's historical perspective, evident in his periodization of Wallachian history, marks a departure from traditional chronicle writing. His dynamic, analytical approach underscores the importance of internal factors in societal development, emphasizing the role of culture and literacy in shaping collective memory.

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