Mănăstirea Secu. Buletin istoric şi cultural, I, Galaţi, 2025, pp. 371-430
ASPECTE DOCUMENTARE DIN TIMPUL EGUMENIEI ARHIMANDRITULUI AUGUSTIN BRAGA LA MĂNĂSTIREA SECU (1855-1857)
AUTOR: Cosmin NIŢĂ
Cuvinte Cheie: mănăstirea Secu, mănăstirea Neamţ, Augustin Braga, egumen, administraţie, obşte monahală, venituri, cheltuieli
Keywords: Secu monastery, Neamţ monastery, Augustin Braga, abbot, administration, monastic community, income, expenses
DOCUMENTARY ASPECTS FROM THE TIME OF ARCHIMANDRITE AUGUSTIN BRAGA’S ABBACY AT SECU MONASTERY (1855–1857)
(Abstract)
In this material, several aspects of Archimandrite Augustin Braga’s activity as abbot of Secu Monastery between 1855 and 1857 are presented, highlighting the context of his election, the administration of the monastic community, and the management of the monastery’s estates and properties. Augustin organized internal elections, mediated conflicts among monks, and sought to enforce discipline and adherence to the monastery’s rules. He dealt with issues related to the management of goods, leases, construction works, and relations with the authorities of the time, especially during a period marked by political changes and increased state control. He was involved in the replacement of Abbot Dionisie Romano and temporarily led Neamţ Monastery but was later accused of financial irregularities that led to his resignation. He continued his activity at Neamţ, where he stood out through his historiographical work, drafting manuscripts about the history of the monasteries. Augustin’s activity reflects the tensions and reforms in monastic life in 19th-century Moldova.