The Chancellery of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has issued a set of guidelines for pilgrims attending the celebrations of Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest.
The pilgrimage will take place from October 20 to 28. This year, the Primate of the Church of Cyprus will bring the relics of Saint Lazarus from Larnaca to join the celebrations.
Recommendations
Pilgrimage as a liturgical, missionary, and social act
1. The Pilgrimage as a Liturgical, Missionary, and Social Act
The pilgrimage is a liturgical act, embodying the joy of prayer and the pursuit of holiness.
It is a missionary act because we share the joy of faith in the Crucified and Risen Christ with the world.
It is also a social and spiritual act, bringing people together in communion and offering hope in a world increasingly devoid of ideals, peace, and joy.
Pilgrimage as a Symbol of Church in Mission
2. The pilgrimage is a communal procession, a dynamic gathering, symbolizing the Church in mission. Through prayer and hymn, it calls for God’s blessing upon the entire city. Participants come from various regions, ages, social statuses, levels of education, intensity of faith and spiritual sensitivity. It is essential that everyone spends this blessed time undisturbed and without disturbing others in their prayerful state.
Guidelines for Pilgrims
3. Out of reverence for the saints and for the spiritual benefit of the pilgrimage, pilgrims are advised to follow these guidelines:
– Wear modest and appropriate attire, similar to what is worn when attending the Divine Liturgy.
– Maintain peaceful, respectful, and civilized behaviour toward other pilgrims.
– Use polite language and a soft tone in interactions to avoid disturbing others.
– Preserve an atmosphere of prayer, sobriety, and silence.
– Pay special attention to children, the elderly, those with disabilities, or anyone with health issues to ensure they do not get lost. Also, take care of your personal belongings.
– Follow the designated route, schedule, and instructions provided by organizers and volunteers concerning the veneration of the holy relics and other liturgical or pastoral activities.
– Keep the pilgrimage area clean and orderly.
Prohibited Behaviors
4. As the pilgrimage is a spiritual event for all participants who join with faith, devotion and love of God and the Church, it is strictly forbidden for pilgrims to:
– Disturb fellow pilgrims, including through live broadcasts on social media, shouting, arguments, or playing music on devices that disrupt the peace.
– Sell products or items.
– Threaten, use obscene language, or engage in activities that endanger safety or disturb the peace of those around.
– Beg for alms.
– Smoke, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Compliance with Public Gathering Regulations
5. These recommendations are supplemented by the regulations governing the organization and conduct of public gatherings. Organizers reserve the right, under applicable laws, to warn or, if necessary, remove individuals from the pilgrimage site with the assistance of security forces should they fail to comply with these guidelines.
Issued by the Chancellery of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church
Photo: Basilica.ro
