Paroria

Paroria is an area in the Strandzha Mountains of southeastern Bulgaria that served as an important center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism during the 14th century. Monks who lived there included Gregory of Sinai and Romylos of Vidin.

Life of Saint Romylos

 * Bartusis, M., K. Ben Nasser, and A. Laiou (1982). "Days and deeds of a hesychast saint: A translation of the Greek life of Saint Romylos". Byzantine Studies 9(1): 24– 47.


 * While the superior rejoiced and was delighted with Romanos' obedience, zeal and propriety, in his mind Romanos pined away, desiring that he might again abandon the tumult of the world, and that he might live in a a deserted place far from men, like the turtle­dove which loves solitude. He had learned about Paroria where a monastery was being built by a great man before God, Gregory of Sinai, who brought souls to God each day by the music of his words and the example of his life. Romanos was engrossed in planning a departure and wished he had wings so that he could fly through the air and get there as quickly as possible. So great a yearning did word of that holy man inspire in him, as I have heard him relate. From that time on then, while Zagora held his body, the wilderness of Paroria possessed his soul. Just as the thirstiest deer seeks the fountainhead he thirsted, and he asked God that he might go to Paroria.
 * Section 4


 * Things being thus, they learned that the wilderness of Paroria was faring well since Emperor Alexander had severely threatened the robbers and plunderers, who used to make trials for the servants of God, that if they did not stop, they would be executed. Those holy servants, having heard carefully the good news, abandoned Zagora and headed back to Paroria, their beloved wilderness and retreat. Truly this was such a place which on sight alone could bring tears of compunction to God­-loving souls. For dwelling ­places, as it is written somewhere in the Scriptures, have been created to lead our mind to contemplation. At any rate, as we said, they went there quickly, and arriving near the monastery of the great Gregory, they built cells and settled down.
 * Section 9