Abstract
This paper points out several original documents based on which it is possible to partially restore the economic situation of the hermitage Brătești, near Paşcani. The hermitage was established in 1733-1734, by boyar Iordache Cantacuzino, the landlord of Paşcani estate, and dissolved in 1902. During the fourth and fifth decades of the 19th century, the Bratești hermitage had a modest fortune obtained through donations and financial aids and it consisted of estates, livestock and household goods, as well as clothes, dishes and books specific to the religious service.
The hermitage income came from two sources: on one hand, the financial aid provided annually by the owner of Paşcani estate, whom the hermitage depended on, and, on the other hand, the use of animal products, beekeeping and vineyards obtained in the hermitage household. The largest amounts were spent on animal husbandry and also on the monks and servants’ salaries and the fees paid for agricultural or crafting activities. During the studied period, the budget balance was negative due to inefficient management and low efficiency of agricultural and zootechnical resources. Indirectly, the documents highlight the close relationship between the monastery and the owners of Pașcani estate, who took care about the material and financial supplies of the hermitage until the end of its existence.