The pilgrimage to the honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom concluded on Wednesday, July 16, after more than 60,000 faithful from across Romania venerated the holy relic, which was brought to the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest between July 11 and 16.
The event marked the summer feast of Saint Demetrius the New.
Brought from Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, the honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom was placed for veneration on Friday, July 11, alongside the relics of Saint Demetrius the New, protector of Bucharest, Saints Constantine and Helen, and Saint Nectarios the Wonderworker.
Deep devotion to Saint John Chrysostom
For six days, tens of thousands of people prayed before the relics, asking for health, a peaceful soul, and global peace. Believers came from all parts of the country, many describing the event as unique in Romania.
Present were spiritual fathers, priests travelling hundreds of kilometres, hermits, and large families—some waiting patiently for hours or venerating the relics multiple times a day.
“I stood in line twice. I can’t put into words how much faith I feel when approaching the holy relics. The emotions overwhelm me,” said Presbytera Elena Medeșan from Sălaj.
According to estimates by clergy and local authorities, between 6,000 and 7,000 believers venerated the relics every four hours, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.
Prayer and Healing
Many sick people came during the six-day pilgrimage, praying for healing.
“In the manuscripts of our monastery, we find notes written by the fathers accompanying the relic when it left Mount Athos: ‘Whenever the head of Saint John Chrysostom left the monastery into the world, it performed signs and miracles,’” said Archimandrite Efrem of Vatopedi, abbot of the monastery.
To comfort those in distress, the fathers prayed with them, asking God through the intercession of Saint John Chrysostom to grant them healing.
“It was always special when someone suffering came, and the fathers would take the reliquary with the head of Saint John Chrysostom and place it on the heads of the sick, saying prayers for healing. It was a truly moving moment,” said Alexia Ungureanu, a volunteer.
Romanian Faith and Identity
Some believers said the event rekindled people’s faith, reminding them of God and the help of the saints.
“I’ve noticed people haven’t forgotten God after all. In today’s world, it’s heartening to see so many young people waiting to venerate the holy relics. And the elderly haven’t strayed from the Church either,” said Fr. Adrian Medeșan.
“People standing in line to venerate testify that faith is still alive in Romania. Through the presence of the relics, faith is revived.”
The honourable skull of Saint John Chrysostom holds particular significance, as it was brought to Bucharest in the context of the 251st anniversary of the Translation of the relics of Saint Demetrius the New to Romania’s capital city.
For photos from the event, please visit the Photo Gallery section.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
