“Our encounter here and now with St Demetrius the New and St Elizabeth of Pasărea, through the veneration of their holy relics, shows us that God is at work in every generation and continually calls people to holiness,” His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel told participants in Saturday’s Way of the Saints procession in Bucharest.
His Beatitude welcomed the crowds of pilgrims at the outdoor altar of the Patriarchal Cathedral, together with Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishops Varlaam of Ploiești and Paisie of Sinaia, and Assistant Bishop Timotei of Prahova of the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
The procession began from two locations.
The first group departed from the Patriarchal Cathedral, carrying the relics of St Demetrius the New and St Demetrius the Myrrh-Gusher, and followed this route: Patriarchal Cathedral – Patriarhiei Street – Regina Maria Boulevard – the foot of Patriarchate Hill (Unirii Square).
The second group departed from St Spyridon the New Metropolitan Cathedral, carrying the relics of St Nectarios, Sts Constantine and Helen, and St Elizabeth of Pasărea, following Bibescu Vodă Street to the foot of Patriarchate Hill (Unirii Square).
The two groups of pilgrims met at the foot of Patriarchate Hill and ascended together towards the cathedral.
Faith learned in the family
Patriarch Daniel highlighted the connection between faith learned within the family and love shown towards others, as reflected in the life of St Elizabeth of Pasărea.
“She learned to pray in the Lazăr family home in Sulița, Suceava County, in Moldavia, under the guidance of her mother, Maria. Despite the family’s poverty, she worked and shared what little she had with her brothers and sisters. Her calling to monastic life was strengthened by the advice and blessing of her spiritual fathers.”
Patriarch Daniel explained that St Elizabeth of Pasărea’s example calls Christians to accompany prayer with care for their neighbours.
“For the Christian family, this care begins with time devoted to those at home, patience towards those who are suffering and help offered without expecting anything in return. In this way, the faith we profess becomes tangible in everyday life.”
Supporting families in need
His Beatitude encouraged pilgrims to support families facing illness, poverty or separation, children deprived of care and parents left alone.
“The parish community can offer material assistance, advice and spiritual accompaniment, so that those facing hardship may feel welcomed and supported within the spiritual family of the Church.
“The example of holy women teaches us to recognise the needs of those around us and to respond with compassionate love.”
Following the virtues of the saints
In the final part of his address, Patriarch Daniel emphasised that “venerating the relics of St Demetrius the New and St Elizabeth of Pasărea is an opportunity to ask for the saints’ help and to resolve to follow their virtues”.
“We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Mother of God, St Demetrius the New, Patron Saint of Bucharest, and St Elizabeth of Pasărea, together with all the holy women commemorated in the Church calendar, to protect the families of all pilgrims, strengthen those who are ill, enlighten children and young people, and grant all pilgrims peace and joy, health and help towards salvation!” His Beatitude concluded.
Pilgrimage to St Demetrius the New
Following Saturday’s procession, the holy relics were placed for veneration beneath the canopy near the Patriarchal Cathedral.
They will remain there until 28 October, when the last pilgrim has completed their veneration.
During this period, a special programme of liturgical services took place, centred on the feast of St Demetrius the New, Patron Saint of Bucharest.
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