Valeriu Gafencu

Valeriu Gafencu
Gafencu on a 2021 stamp of Moldova
Personal details
Born(1921-01-24)24 January 1921
Died18 February 1952(1952-02-18) (aged 31)
Târgu Ocna, Romanian People's Republic
DenominationRomanian Orthodox Christian
ParentsVasile Gafencu (father)

Valeriu Gafencu (24 January 1921 – 18 February 1952) was a member of the Iron Guard who was active during the Legionnaires' rebellion. Arrested by the state authorities in 1941, he died 11 years later at Târgu Ocna Prison.

He was declared "Saint of the Prisons" by theologian Nicolae Steinhardt for his "exemplary Christian conduct and devotion to those in suffering", and the Romanian Orthodox Church was reportedly considering his canonization in 2013.