Oral tradition mentions the existence of a wooden hermitage in the first half of the 18th century on the site of the current Crasna Monastery, but there are no documents to confirm this. The only mention appears in a guide from the Central Archives of Bucharest, which says that the Crasna Hermitage would have existed before 1745 and was rectored in 1828. The brick and stone church was built between 1824-1828 by the Great Apostle Constantin Potlogea and his brother-in-law his, Col. Panca, and consecrated in 1829 with the patronages "Saints Constantine and Elena" and "The Healing Spring". Bishop Chesarie of Buzău encouraged the founder to continue the construction of a monastery.
The postman Constantin, who became a monk at the Ghighiu Monastery, donated his entire fortune to the Crasna Monastery, and his son Nicolae followed his father's example in 1836, entering monasticism under the name Nil Schimonahul. The painting of the church was done in 1834, and the lime wood, gilded, was made in Vienna in 1838.
The hermitage prospered and became an educational center for village children. The secularization of the monastic assets in 1863 led to the decline of the hermitage, and the robbery of 1916 and the fire of 1920 left the hermitage in ruins. Between 1922-1939, Hieromonk Nicon Covrig started the revival of the hermitage, recovering the goods and properties. Prosperity continued under Protosinghel Ilarie Stănescu and Hieromonk Damaschin Duru, and under Patriarch Justinian Marina, the church and bell tower were restored, being re-consecrated in 1958.
In 1961, the communist regime changed the status of the hermitage, becoming affiliated to Izvoarele Parish and named the isolated Church, historical monument, Crasna. Abbot Damaschin Duru was replaced by Hieromonk Irodion Caraman. In 1967, Patriarch Justinian Marina brought here two monks from Slănic Hermitage, marking a period of restoration and flourishing. Under their leadership, the hermitage built new buildings and restored the old church.
The community of the hermitage continued to grow, many young people being attracted to the spiritual life here. In 1990, the foundation stone of a new church was laid, consecrated in 1998 by Patriarch Teoctist. The building includes a chapel dedicated to Romanian Saints, consecrated in 2007, and a library with over 10,000 volumes. Between 2002-2005, a summer shrine, cells and a medical office were built.
Sursa: manastireacrasna.com
