 From 1870 to 1873, he was both French teacher and principal at the gymnasium in Târgu Jiu, but took a sabbatical to live in contemplation among the monks of Mount Athos.He was himself tonsured a monk at Tismana Monastery in 1873, despite not having the formal requirements for the job, including a seminary graduation.In order to gain acceptance, he declared himself a "theomaniac".