Iași, Romania, October 14, 2025
Thousands of faithful participated in a procession through the streets of Iași on Sunday evening, October 12, carrying the relics of St. Parascheva alongside those of St. Gregory Palamas, which were brought from Thessaloniki for the occasion, reports the Basilica News Agency.
The feast of St. Parascheva, October 14, is one of the largest religious events in Romania, drawing pilgrims from throughout Romania and beyond over the days leading up to her feast.
Her relics have resided in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Constantinople, and she is greatly loved throughout the Balkans and the entire Orthodox world, but they have remained in the cathedral in Iași, working countless miracles, since 1641.
Traditionally, the relics of another saint are also brought for the pilgrimage, and this year the Romanian faithful have the opportunity to venerate the relics of the great Holy Hierarch and theologian St. Gregory Palamas, which left Greece for the first time ever.
The procession, which began around 7:00 PM from the courtyard of the Metropolitan Cathedral, was led by Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, with Vicar Bishop Nichifor of Botoșani also in attendance.
Clergy from across the city, diocese, and country processed in white festive vestments while participants carried basil, flowers, and candles. The procession moved through central Iași along Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Boulevard, through several streets, and made stops at three significant locations: the Cuza Vodă Maternity Hospital, St. Sava Church, and the Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery.
The relics were returned for veneration following the procession route.
Met. Teofan remarked on the demeanor of those present, noting a composure and serenity among participants despite life’s difficulties, saying people appreciate “moments of depth, of embrace, of elevation.”
Met. Philotheos expressed gratitude for his presence at the procession marking the feast day of St. Parascheva and offered blessings for the clergy, faithful, and the Romanian people.
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