Stephen the Great in Ceahlău

In the summer of 1476, when the battle of Războieni from Neamț was fought, Turks had entered the country like a hoard or a swarm of locusts… and if there were so many in the beginning, although they had first staggered away under the blows of Stephen’s warriors, it turned out that, until evening, they overwhelmed the Moldavians. He then commanded all the men to scatter in the night’s shade, losing their way in the forests and mountain villages. He himself, seeing his own defeat this time, retreated to Neamț Fortress. But then his mother reminded him that the most dangerous thing would be to stay in a confined place, where the enemy can always hit and strike: – ”Run into the mountains and gather another army, that is the only way you will vanquish!…”

This way, Stephen took two companions and set off in a one day journey, towards Ceahlău, through the woods where he had often gone hunting… and had reached the west boundary of the Hangu estate, not too far from the foothill of the Holy Mountain, they also stopped in a meadow, leaving the horses to graze and drink water. Well, that night they slept how they could, and they ate … let’s say that in the morning they still had an empty stomach! The following day, however, was a productive one, filled with hunting and working to build a shelter made out of wood and stones – because indeed, that’s the way most soldiers knew how to do it!…

While they were getting to the end of their work, some shepherds, hearing the noise made by the trumpeted wood and foreign voices, seeing the thick smoke (from the logs burning at both ends, to make them stronger), became very suspicious. So, they sneaked up close to the meadow and… they jumped holding their bats at the three men – oh, I almost forgot to say, Stephen had an ordinary gown on him! The shepherds soon figured out who were the “robbers” (i.e. the thieves) in the meadow and, as soon as they learned the prince’s sorrow, they were all animated: “Well, if you need soldiers to send the Turks running, well, My Lord, we will leave the sheep in the care of our wives and children, and we’ll follow you…”

Moreover, all of them soon found themselves, by their very will, taking a tour around the surrounding villages and mountains, to gather young men and boys, good for being soldiers. And while the shepherds went after other comrades, neither Stephen the Great nor the other two men stood there doing nothing. Stephen the Great began climbing on Ceahlău, going to see the old hermits near Toaca peak, to ask for advice and help by the means of their prayers. The servants, by the help of the people from around them, started building other huts (small huts) for those who were about to come, brought by the shepherds to rest.

Going either by trot, or galloping, on the horseback, Stephen the Great finally arrived at the cell of the hermit, who was more than a hundred years old. Stephen the Great began confessing his sorrows of his heart and soul, and the hermit replied:

“You know, My Lord, that from where we stand, by the means of our prayers, we are closer not only to heaven but also to earth. I know very well the pain you are going through and how much turmoiI enemies can bring now… but don’t you fear and dispair, because you have a great heart and a strong faith! Here, take this icon of Saint George-Holy Great Martyr and Victory-Barrer, always take it with you when you go to war and you will see that you will strike again!…’’

Stephen came down the mountain with a light heart and a wrath only in his mind, planning how to crush the Turks ruled by Mahomed the Conqueror himself, the Sultan who had scared the whole Christianity by undertaking Constantinople through the ordeal of his sword and fire. Stephen’s eyes brightened when he saw that most of the people willing to follow him had gathered in the place they started calling “At the Huts”. So, they lingered there for only three more days so as those who had started from Suceava County to arrive. He gave the command for all of them to get in line and get ready. They began their journey under his rule to vanquish the Turks who were coming after their prey in the country.

And, by God’s will, Stephen the Great and his brave soldiers gathered from the villages of Ceahlău and many other surroundings, won the battle ! …