19 years in a cave: The hermit of Moldova | Focus on Europe

Moldovian monk Efimie has lived in a cave monastery for nineteen years.
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[@doctorbigsmiles]

They don't "pay" him with bread, they GIVE him bread, and then ask for his blessings. You don't sell blessings, you give you those who ask it humbly.

[@wordscapes5690]

Potato, po-tah-to

[@doctorbigsmiles]

@@wordscapes5690 shm-uh-cko (why you trolling toy)

[@longjidalu3845]

I totally agree with you on this

[@angelcabeza6464]

then they souldnt give him money either

[@longjidalu3845]

@@angelcabeza6464 Can you tell me any religious order or sect that do not accept gifts or are you just against the old monk.

[@theconqueringram5295]

I have nothing but full respect for this guy. In fact, he is living the life I want. Living alone with books as my only companions, surrounded by nature and people visiting from time to time. No urbanization, no noise pollution, no cars, no annoying people, nothing but peace and quiet. Brother Efimie is living the dream. He truly is.

[@SchgurmTewehr]

Then live that life. I’m sure it’s not so difficult to get there.

[@user-rb3tk5th2i]

@@SchgurmTewehr it actually requires large amounts of discipline, mental and physical strength to overtake that kind of life, and same with any kind of independant monastic or special military occupation, which is also why those people are generally respected and revered so much

[@coraltown1]

@@user-rb3tk5th2i "special military occupation" .. aka rapists and murderers .. not respected, but detested.

[@SkookyDoo]

Best part is not creating surplus for someone else while they pay you scraps in return.

[@user-ui6iy7im1t]

Me too. I want that kind of life that live with god and nature in peace.

[@fairdose]

The world is in desperate need of more people like Brother Efimie. People who care nothing for this world and it's immature distractions but only serve humanity by praying over us and blessing us with their wisdom and insight.

[@SchgurmTewehr]

Maybe the first part, but religion is just as much such an immature distraction. He should just do like he does now, because I don’t think he believes he does the world some good, only himself.

[@user-rb3tk5th2i]

@@SchgurmTewehr there has never been a single point in history where a society survived long-term without religion, it is literally the foundation of every culture and civilization, those that deviated eventually declined and got replaced by immigration, also the flying irony of an angry atheist calling religion "immature"...

[@tinaandro1178]

@@user-rb3tk5th2i It depends on what you consider religion. China is an example of a society that;s mostly atheistic for example. Additionally a lot of communities didn't survive because of religious wars that killed a lot of people so I'm not sure if you're counting them in the societies that didn't survive .While I respect your choice to practice religion, to actually say I cannot survive without it or to call an atheist immature because he doesn't believe in what you belive is one of the reasons why I lost my faith and it's not like I agree with the apocalypsewow either.Religion is not immature: for some people it's actually salvation and if it doesn;t hurt anyone then they should continue to do what they believe in.

[@KonradTamas]

As a Hungarian, i've been always amazed by the fact how resilient Romanian people are and how much hardship they can live trough. God bless their souls. Va iubesc fratii mei.

[@elidasandru9368]

As a Romanian, thank you. God bless yours souls. Si eu va iubesc, fratii mei.

[@KonradTamas]

And ofc Moldovan people too! Have a good friend from there Mihail.

[@cnst.33]

@@KonradTamas Moldovans are Romanians ;)

[@stylianospapadopoulos6139]

Wholesome comment ❤

[@andtpfack8243]

I don't judge. If he is happy with his life and doesn't harm other people he is doing far better than most of the civilized world.

[@tedcrilly46]

No Monday mornings. Worth it.

[@emmanuelweinman9673]

Too true. I think a lot of the horrors of humanity is created by the idea that we Have to do something instead of we Get to do something, which comes from the fear of death and the separation from the rest of life.

[@SchgurmTewehr]

You just judged.

[@Atenquense]

You are judging :)

[@emmanuelweinman9673]

@@Atenquense we all are.

[@chriscarrol9373]

The happiest times in my life where when I had very little and the most troublesome times where when I had more than I than I needed. I'm 53 but have seen and done more in life than most.

[@tajmajal4197]

Moderation is the key.

[@braxxian]

"Be modest in your desires" Wise man. If there was one element of Humanity I had the power to remove it would be greed.

[@billhicks8]

It is something that sounds quite familiar and obvious but if you keep thinking about it it gets deeper and can apply to nearly everyone.

[@elidasandru9368]

Thanks DW for the report. We Romanians have a millennial tradition in monastic life. Andrew the Apostle preached in Dobrogea (Scythia Minor) in today Romania. Ioan Casian also known as John the Ascetic was born in 360 AD in Dobrogea. The Romanian Orthodox hermit Daniil the Hermit was the adviser of Stephen the Great, the greatest ruler of historical Moldova which included also the part of today independendent Moldova who was taken in the former urss. The unoccupied of historical Moldova part founded Romania in 1859 by unification with Tara Romaneasca. I love his Dacian style hat. On the land of historical Dacia over 2 000 years ago, we were formed as a nation with our Romanian language. Daco-Romanian language for the linguistics because we still have around 200 words identified as being Dacian words.

[@karyherndon4266]

To be beneficial and to “ do the right thing “ can be wonderful. I admire the beauty of the wood work ...inside this cave. Plus, it also had enough natural light for reading... with extremely thin candles. (That’s the good part.) If -this hermit lost a lot of family members and, others he loved, he withdrew from social activities. And, since he didn’t have any jobs anymore; he further had no overwhelming chance to socialize ...at all. He is a friendly looking Moldavian citizen, though, and very much a good person to agree to this interview. (It takes effort to learn to locate... worthwhile sources for enduring friendships. Similarly, I moved some months ago to a college town in southern Colorado, where my only son, Kris returned during the pandemic to jumpstart his bike kits business. And, we get together as well. But- I miss deeply my rural hometown in Norwood, Colorado, which is sontiny and, where I grew up so long ago. But, like the hermit, I traveled for journalism jobs and all over the states for curiosity and to visit my Chicago grandparents. (You change as you have to ..for certain obligations. But, here, my son has helped me a lot. (It’s his college town, where he graduated from college, and he loves the casualness and friendly people. But-I loved my hometown, where I was 4th generation Colorado resident and the only daughter of a rancher and farmer. My late mom was a grandma and great journalist, as well. (That was an honor.) Best of everything to the very sweet hermit of Moldova in Eastern Europe. Yup. ⭐️🏡💜

[@suportbghelp4938]

My friend, you know nothing about true christianity.He lost nothing, its his choice to cancel the world and go with Jesus.

[@DacianRider]

thanks for the story, and good luck to you !

[@Kap00rwith2os]

I've been there and saw this man reading from his texts. We looked at each other and he nodded, that's it. I had no idea about his backstory 😮

[@Omni0404]

That's really cool

[@deannadelmar9863]

I would love to visit.

[@chinavirus841]

Europe is caveman continent

[@npalmi88]

I see hermits or monks, I watch.

[@AngelSonevski]

That's such a cozy church though! I wonder how he gets by in winter

[@gjerrildkro]

Inspired me to be nomadic with my tyny mobile home. Similar to a cave dweller only I have indoor plumbing a stove,microwave, refrigerator and satellite radio. Life is very good.

[@IAm-NotHear]

I am green with envy!

[@panzergarden1232]

Van life rocks...just head south for the winters...Ive lived in my car for 10 yrs now...

[@ChristosAnesti33]

You do understand that van life is different from what he is doing right?

[@markmd9]

He lives in the number 1 touristic place in the country. But the comfort is minimal.

[@nathanmeyer6743]

Very true. I've been there and seen him

[@hafizsenadbrick]

Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!✝️💚☘️

[@sasori7d494]

Amen.

[@ceremdilem]

Sincerely appreciate the knowledge you share

[@SorminaESar]

It's simple life of the Hermit of Moldova, no war, no electricity, no need money but peace. The hermit still life. Hopefully, the Hermit will open his heart for Jesus Christ coming

[@suportbghelp4938]

Amin

[@ilearn1298]

I wish god bless him with light he definitely deserves it as his prayers look so real.

[@John2verse5]

wish ?

[@Zima1922]

God bless you monk Efimie ! Slavă lui Hristos ! ICXC NIKA !

[@A13X_H_22]

I legit thought the thumbnail on this was Gandalf

[@Nautilus04]

I kind of understand him at my age

[@thedjc100]

Great video.

[@JasonD-yc3oy]

He looks just like Gandalf (Ian McKellen) in the lord of the rings

[@emmanuelweinman9673]

He’s a smart man. The world has become a dystopian nightmare. However, this world still is lovable, and I haven’t given up hope that a Utopia is only a few millennia away. That’s only a few blinks of mother earth’s eyes 🌍👀

[@anamelikeothers]

I share your views. A dystopian nightmare indeed. However, I am lacking hope. I see self destruction from now on as humans embrace extremism of all kind more and more. But the planet may survive and recover from humankind in the long run.

[@emmanuelweinman9673]

@@anamelikeothers humans have survived rises and falls of civilization many times before by building strong communities that know how to be in tune with nature. There will probably be another empire or two before our whole civilization is in tune, but evolution on that scale takes time. Enjoy the ride in the meantime.

[@IOANNIS132]

Thank you!

[@bookertee3057]

👍 Great story. The bread was donated it is not payment. Prayer is free. This man has found peace with himself.

[@jessebustoshernandez4360]

i am also a hermit, it is beautiful to live away from humanity

[@midnighttrucker19]

I decided to become a hermit last year. I'm married with a business but I'm doing it slowly in my own way

[@ludayevchenko801]

I visited this cave with my siblings. I was born in Moldova but moved to America in 2002. I have pictures to remember.

[@jayzee9164]

I wish to be a hermit like this Brother.

[@jaspajones7045]

Awesome

[@MrPastaTube1]

Good advice he gave.

[@geroldbosch1624]

Nothing seems sacred anymore in this time where robots ask humans to prove they are NOT robots. What happens to respect?

[@jcomandante6629]

Guy literally cited the Encyclopedia Britannica.

[@tajmajal4197]

If you got no kids and wife to support and a small area to keep clean, then you got lots of time on your hands to read and read and read.

[@lil----lil]

The real Gandalf.

[@michaellinner7772]

So he just figured one day to put the allegory of the cave to the test huh? Well I guess you've gotta respect his commitment and resilience.

[@suportbghelp4938]

Mots probably called from Jesus somehow, no one throw his life for nothing.

[@user-rb3tk5th2i]

that is an incredibly ironic thing to say, becuase not only Plato was polytheist (religious) and the entire concept of universities and education was created by Christianity and Islam, but also atheists are literally the worst minority at academics, social life or living in general (they are high school drop outs male neckbeard social rejects)

[@user-rb3tk5th2i]

that is a very ironic thing to say, becuase not only Plato was polytheist (multiple gods religious) but the entire concept of universities and education was created by Christianity and Islam, and nonbelievers are mostly drop-out social rejects

[@vitaminxp1448]

Does anyone knows where us Niamets monestery and Dragomirna snd Sokol where Saint Paidius lived…?

[@lilithofthenight1991]

للعرب معنى هيرمت يعني الناسك أو المعتكف .. مو شرط تنسك ديني 🖐🏻🖐🏻 ممكن عزلة مع النفس لمراجعة الذات و التخطيط للمستقبل 🎯🎯🧘🏻‍♀️🧘🏻‍♀️🙌🏻🙌🏻✌🏻 HERMIT

[@johndoe-bq1xt]

i want to go live with this monk to get rid of this world.

[@fairybeliever4479]

You don’t need to live with this guy to find your inner peace. Just move to a place where only you will live alone. There you can reflect on things and if that doesn’t seem like your true calling. Then you can return to your old ways.

[@singularseeker]

GREAT ADVICE....................

[@SiskiyouForest]

Who knew Gandalf lives in Moldova

[@argiberico]

we f*** found him!!

[@pansepot1490]

Gandalf!

[@KougaJ7]

"Do what you ought to do, and not what you want."

[@ekesandras1481]

Is this at Orheiul Vechi?

[@markmd9]

Right

[@adriansway6818]

Very inspirational, wish him health and all the best!

[@JC-rl3nd]

I love Gandalf and this guy! 💯RESPECT! 🔥

[@joexavier2287]

Europe's last christain bastions

[@Elastane]

WoW came out 19 years ago, man spends 19 years in cave. Coincidence? I think not.

[@sparkofcuriousity]

Hahaha

[@suportbghelp4938]

He is most probably called from Jesus to do this, like many other in history.But he is shy to speak about this directly, to not be accused in insanity.

[@tolitsdterrible4785]

I think his real name is Gandalf.

[@MiniLinlin]

The little church is so pretty 😊

[@Little-bird-told-me]

**Be modest and Do What You Ought**

[@ataranaoahakaraaf3786]

beautifull

[@withgrowinginsanity198]

„You shall not… pass“ 😮

[@godzilloid]

True man of God

[@darkstar2871]

He is absolutely right. This is called Kriya Yoga in Hinduism. Keep your desires and greed off your actions and do what's your duty. Dedicate the act to God and you are liberated. Free and Enlightened.

[@angelcabeza6464]

this was used in india during the caste system to keep poor Indians down in the dirt

[@AnkitaMalviya108]

@@angelcabeza6464 yes it was done before halala was even formulated to satisfy old men's hunger for lust

[@jostnamane3951]

​@@angelcabeza6464 I bet you have no idea what you're talking about

[@marlyfreely74]

Jesus says we should pray to the Holy Spirit to become 'detached from the world'. This guy is doing that.

[@beaubrent]

Good for him. You get one life to live as you must. I hope his family is ok though.

[@snocookies]

They glossed over this, it's likely his wife passed away. If he has living children I am sure theh know where he is.

[@highglider7911]

I find it interesting that he lives far away from society yet people come to see him anyway

[@toughguyver6986]

Since the end of February we are all like hermits in caves…

[@tajmajal4197]

Lol!

[@brianhollenbeck8633]

My prayers are with him. I understand. 😇👑🌏🌎🌍💚🙏

[@stephenduffy5406]

Nineteen years is a long time for him to have Moldova a philosophy ... mulled over ... get it? Never mind.

[@DacianRider]

* cough *

[@borizovskimilan]

On one hand you have hermits like him who really have faith and on the other hand you have religious leaders who can get enough money. Who is closer to God and if you choose to follow one of them, who would you choose?

[@DacianRider]

kudos for the Romanian flag in his keep ! 🤗 omuleț pașnic și frumos !

[@freedomwhenneeded]

I promise to spend my life defending innocent god loving people like this. The west aims to destroy him, god bless moldova from russia 🇷🇺

[@mrocean8139]

Lol. Russians defend nothing.

[@cirtainrod9492]

When he dies im living in his cave.

[@peaceandjustice-123]

its beautyful to be a monk the most wonderful way to serve God but its the most hard. and also i was there this year and i saw the monk and the cave . it was to beautiful and not so far there a little monastery and down to the rocks there is a little town named butuceni.But i have to say that the place and the history of this place is amazing. GOD BLESS OUR SOULS AND ALL HUMANITY FROM the evil

[@peaceandjustice-123]

DOMNUL SA L BINECUVANTEZE PE ACEST MONAH SI SAI DAIE PUTERE CASA LUPTE INPOTRIVA CELUI RAU. AMIN 🕯

[@SEANPOL203]

God bless you & the monk ✝️

[@adimih2120]

❤

[@kaihuang4970]

He looks like Ian McKellen.

[@reneprovosty7032]

pretty sure that's Gandalf, leave the poor guy alone.

[@emil2012ful]

The translation is not so good ...

[@charlesmaximus9161]

Glory to Jesus Christ Through the prayers of our holy fathers, o Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. ☦️🙏

[@MrBeatzFactory]

It would be better if you subtitled foreign language interviews instead of dubbing them. I would much rather hear the speaker especially in this case since I can understand Romanian.

[@danielinglett1160]

Almost 5 million views hope they gave him something for it.

[@Celticowl4136]

Thought it was Gandalf at first 😂

[@nemaproblema6879]

I was in this cave when visiting moldova

[@jimmieoakland3843]

He had a wife and kids and now all he wants is to live his life in silence and contemplation? Geez, I wonder why.

[@observer1242]

I wonder if a priest ever comes and serves for him.

[@dragoscepraga9103]

Phew, thank God he speaks in Romanian and not that barbaric samagonese of a tongue, Russian... 😇

[@susanliswaniso6932]

Be modest in your desires, do what you have to rather than what you want and then maybe you will do the right thing and it will be beneficial....

[@highglider7911]

I like when he emphasized "maybe"

[@JustChillingNahhhhMean]

E o poveste de Igor și mămăligă lui

[@cinorikese5890]

Here's 1 thought I have to share: If you make money, what is the first thing you do? Buy a bigger house? More space? Build walls around your house? Or live in a tent with others? Money is an instrument to buy freedom in a world that is built on interdependence. So damn you all, especially politicians, who do try to make you believe that work is all you need. Needs are individual.

[@laurentitolledo1838]

Gandalf?

[@tewfiksaad2884]

Who's the better man? The monk in a cave or a priest in a church?

[@John2verse5]

The language our great GOD best hears is silent love & tears. When the good shepherd calls, his flock recognize his voice. In the name of YESHUA CRISTO, repent

[@essayastechane7631]

Let you'r blessing be on me.

[@gus8493]

Charity 101

[@irishkev1141]

Gandalf 👍🏽☘️

[@waynesilva9157]

It's better than spending most of your life in a man cave ignoring your family.

[@robertsobczak1131]

Ower 2000 yers

[@hwago123]

He's the next Andrew Tate. Ultimate sigma male.

[@eoindruid7814]

One hard soul

[@kukulroukul4698]

lol :)))))) THE SOUL

[@keykey7959]

TBH a cave is a better dwelling than where 90% of Moldovans live. Source: I'm Moldovan.

[@hwago123]

:Do what you ought to do", like abandon your family??

[@Augfordpdoggie]

he had a wife and children..he wont tell us why he gave it all up..." yeah im going with having a wife and children as the reason

[@danusdragonfly6640]

@@Springflowers233 To quote your own post: 1 Timothy 5:8 Anyone who does not provide for his relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever

[@danusdragonfly6640]

@@Springflowers233 I copy/pasted *your* post. Do try to keep up.

[@truthboom]

@@danusdragonfly6640 Most humanity doesn't provide for our relatives the chimpanzees, or strangers, i guess there's no believers

[@danusdragonfly6640]

@@truthboom You can speak for yourself and *your* family. Most people I know take family quite seriously.

[@truthboom]

​@@danusdragonfly6640 Nevermind, we both misread, aren't in the same wavelength. My bad.

[@Lora_Lynn]

There are no young men for him to mentor? I'm guessing there are. What happens when he passes?

[@markmd9]

The cave monastery probably will be closed for visiting outside working hours. But you are welcome to come and take his place 😊

[@suportbghelp4938]

He go in heaven,and God will spawn another "crazy" monk to serve.

[@Lora_Lynn]

@@suportbghelp4938 I have never met the man. Different. But I've never really understood the love of God as a monk. Hours of prayer, lighting candles before an altar. Living a 13th century life? I think the same is happening in Tibet. It's not a life that I would want to live, but as odd as it seems I appreciate tradition. Sane or not.

[@Lora_Lynn]

@@markmd9 Too funny! I'm an American who grew up during the hippie age. I don't think I would fit. Greating everyone with a peace symbol, with flowers in my hair. Long time ago, the days of communes have passed. I certainly not suggesting that you would be a candidate. There are some though.

[@Springflowers233]

@Lora If he dies he would become a RELIC, and people will pilgrimage to worship. Very good business

[@iarpit]

So West can market anything, In India, if it is not millions, at least many thousands of individuals seek deliverance by leading a solitary life.

[@princeofexcess]

hardly a hermit

[@Brad-gk9jd]

Is it because of his religion or a personal relationship with Christ?

[@Brad-gk9jd]

Sounds like is very much into the Word of God.

[@Springflowers233]

In Orthodox faith, it's believed God can be reached by ascetism, and mystical experiences, emotions, trances, dreams, visions... I guess by starving yourself they can see even green stars... This practice is not part of early christianity

[@elidasandru9368]

Both.

[@danusdragonfly6640]

@@Brad-gk9jd Not enough to take his vows seriously and not enough to be there for his children. So which part is it that you admire so much?

[@markmd9]

When living in isolation you are less tempted to make sins. That's the main reason for monks to isolate themselves.

[@Thomas-tf4cm]

Gandalf

[@stylianospapadopoulos6139]

Pričina, služba, amazing to hear a lot of slavic words. May he and all monks and hermits pray for us in the world We have screwed up.

[@gazb8829]

It's Gandolf