{"id":581365,"date":"2026-07-21T13:14:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T10:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=581365"},"modified":"2026-07-21T13:14:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T10:14:54","slug":"st-demetrius-new-relics-translation-bucharest-feast-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/st-demetrius-new-relics-translation-bucharest-feast-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Bishop Paisie: St Demetrius the New has strengthened Romania\u2019s Church and faithful for over 250 years"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cThrough his power and presence, Saint Demetrius the New has strengthened the history of the Church of this nation, its rulers, hierarchs, clergy, monastics and the multitude of faithful, who continually find comfort and help by praying before his holy relics,\u201d Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Paisie of Sinaia said on Sunday evening, July 12, at the Patriarchal Cathedral.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hierarch celebrated the all-night vigil marking the beginning of the feast of the Translation of the Relics of St Demetrius the New to Bucharest.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis prayer and intercession before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity have protected us from many dangers. St Demetrius the New, who has been celebrated without interruption for more than 250 years on the historic Metropolitan Hill in the capital, protects through his prayers the city of Bucharest, the entire country and its faithful people,\u201d the Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop recalled.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cWho has not rejoiced in the help and consolation of St Demetrius the New? Who has not experienced the power of his prayers in times of trial and temptation? A great treasure was given to the Romanian people through his grace-bearing relics, which watch over the highest and most important hill of Romania\u2019s capital.\u201d<\/p>\n

A spiritual pillar for the Church and the people<\/h2>\n
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Bishop Paisie of Sinaia officiated on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Patriarchal Cathedral, the Vigil for the feast of the Translation of the relics of St. Demetrius the New to Bucharest. Photo: Basilica.ro \/ Mircea Florescu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bishop stressed that the presence of St Demetrius the New had strengthened the Romanian Orthodox Church throughout its history, including its rulers, hierarchs, clergy, monastics and faithful, who had continually found comfort and assistance by praying before his relics.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis prayer and intercession before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity have protected us from many dangers,\u201d Bishop Paisie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe fed the people in times of famine, brought rain during drought, restored peace in times of war, healed the sick, delivered us during epidemics, and comforted, encouraged and strengthened in faith all those who approached his holy relics with faith and reverence.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The all-night vigil at the Patriarchal Cathedral concluded with a procession carrying the saint\u2019s relics around the holy place.<\/p>\n

About St Demetrius the New<\/h2>\n
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The service was followed by the procession with the relics of the saints around the Patriarchal Cathedral. Photo: Basilica.ro \/ Mircea Florescu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

St Demetrius the New is known as the Protector of Bucharest. His relics were brought to the city in 1774, while the feast commemorating their arrival, celebrated on 13 July, was established in 2024 to mark the 250th anniversary of the historic event.<\/p>\n

The saint\u2019s other feast is his principal commemoration on 27 October.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s celebrations continued at the Patriarchal Cathedral on Monday, 13 July 2026, with the Divine Liturgy and a memorial service for the founders, both celebrated by Bishop Paisie of Sinaia.<\/p>\n