Romanian pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău returned home safely on Tuesday morning after being evacuated from Israel amid rising regional tensions, the group’s escort said.
Father Valentin Chircu, who accompanied the pilgrims, told Basilica.ro that the tense moments began on the final day of the planned pilgrimage.
“While we were attending the Divine Liturgy at the Romanian Settlement in Jerusalem, warning sirens began sounding and explosions could be heard outside,” the priest said.
After the service ended, the group received assistance from Archimandrite Ioan Meiu, the representative of the Romanian Patriarchate to the Holy Places.
“We were relocated to Bethlehem, and the following day, after consultations between travel agencies and the groups of pilgrims still in Israel, we decided to travel overland to Egypt, from where we could take flights back home,” Fr. Chircu explained.
He added that the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău provided a special fund to ensure that all members of the group could return home safely.
Journey home
Crossing procedures at the Egyptian border lasted about five hours as many groups attempted to leave Israel at the same time. After entering Egypt, the pilgrims continued their journey to Cairo, accompanied by representatives of the Romanian Embassy in Egypt and assisted by local authorities.
Fr. Chircu expressed gratitude to the hierarchs of the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău, who monitored the group’s situation continuously, as well as to Romanian authorities for their support in ensuring the pilgrims’ safe return.
“We give glory to God that we arrived home safely and thank all those who carried us in their prayers and did everything possible to help during these days,” he said.
The Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate to the Holy Places continues to provide material and spiritual assistance to pilgrims who remain in Israel following the security tensions that erupted on Feb. 28.
Photo: Fr. Chircu Valentin
