Monah Iustin Taban
Bishop Theophan who was buried at Putna (1670). Biographical Emendations | p. 193–208


Keywords
1670, Bishop of Rădăuţi Huşi, Putna, Theophan II–III, tomb

Abstract

Our research brings clarifications regarding the identity of Bishop Theophan, whose tombstone, dated 1670, is located near the altar of Putna Monastery. The tomb was attributed by historiography sometimes to Bishop Theophan II of Rădăuţi (1646–1651) and sometimes to Bishop Theophan III of Huşi (1656–1658) and Rădăuţi (1658–1666), who were considered distinct individuals. Upon a careful analysis of the documents and diptychs of the time, one notes that it is the same person who fulfilled many roles: hegumen of Putna, bishop of Huşi, and bishop of Rădăuţi on two occasions, spanning a period of 32 years of the 17th century (1638–1670). During a time when Putna Monastery underwent many transformations, we must consider Theophan’s possible role in supporting the restoration of the monastery and the likelihood of his tenure as hegumen for the second time, between 1651 and 1656, in connection with this project. If future sources confirm his contributions—only conjectured for the time being—then his statute within Putna Monastery, suggested by his imposing tombstone, may not be a coincidence.