St. Demetrius the New Bucharest 2025 Pilgrimage Program. The Way of the Saints Procession – all you need to know

Every year, the pilgrimage of Saint Demetrius the New (October 27) gathers thousands of believers in the heart of Bucharest. In 2025, the celebration will be all the more special due to the presence of the reliquary with the relics of St. John Jacob from Neamț – the New Hozevit and other holy miracle workers.

Relics of Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest Photo Basilica ro

Discover the full program of the pilgrimage, the route of the Calea Sfințil procession and the spiritual moments that no believer should miss from October 19-29.

The relics exhibited at the Pilgrimage of St. Demetrius the New: the novelty of 2025

This year, the joy of the pilgrimage will be enhanced by the presence of the reliquary with the relics of St. Pious John Jacob from Neamț – the New Hozevit. Along with these, believers will be able to worship the relics of other miracle-working saints, living an exceptional spiritual experience:

The relics will be exhibited, between October 19-22, in the porch of the Patriarchal Cathedral, and after the procession on October 23, until the end of the pilgrimage, in the Baldachinul Sfinților, between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.

The first four days, October 19–22, are especially recommended for families with children or those who prefer to avoid crowds.

Shrine of the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Demetrius the New, the Protector of Bucharest Doxology/Basilica

Calea Sfintilor 2025 procession: route and schedule, October 23

The pilgrimage began on October 19, 2025, but the most anticipated part of the event is the famous procession “The Way of the Saints”, which will take place on Thursday, October 23, starting at 12:00.

right Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchatethe relics of Saint Demetrius the New and the other saints will set off in two columns from different points of the city:

1. First column: the relics of St. Demetrius the New and of St. Great Martyr Demetrius, the Fountain of Myrrh, depart from the Patriarchal Cathedral, on the route: Patriarchal Cathedral → Str. Patriarhiei → Bdul Regina Maria → base of Patriarhiei Hill (Unirii Square).
2. Second column: the relics of St. Hierarch Nectarius, St. Reverend John Jacob and the Holy Emperors Constantine and Elena, depart from the Metropolitan Cathedral “St. Spyridon – New”on the route: Str. Bibescu Vodă → base of Patriarhiei Hill (Unirii Square).

Both columns will meet at the base of the Patriarch's Hill and will go up together to the Patriarchal Cathedral, where, at 12:45 p.m., the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel will welcome the reliquaries, for the pilgrims to worship at the Canopy of the Saints on the Patriarch's Hill.

This emotional experience offers spiritual relief and protection, connecting participants with the tradition and history of Bucharest. Even for those viewing the procession from a cultural or tourist perspective, the solemnity and collective energy will be impressive.

Saint Demetrius the New, Protector of Bucharest Photo Doxology

Complete pilgrimage program St. Demetrius the New 2025: October 19-29

For 10 days, the faithful are expected at the Patriarchal Cathedral to participate in the services, vigils and moments of prayer dedicated to Saint Demetrius the New – the Patron of Bucharest. Below is the full schedule of the pilgrimage, with all liturgical events from October 19-29, 2025:

Sunday, October 19:

• 09:30 – 12:30 Holy Liturgy, Summer Altar;
• 16:00 – 18:30 Vespers and Chapel, Patriarchal Cathedral.

Monday, October 20:

• 09:00 – 10:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 16:00 – 18:30 Vespers and Chapel.

Tuesday, October 21:

• 09:00 – 10:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 16:00 – 18:30 Vespers and Chapel.

Wednesday, October 22:

• 09:00 – 10:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 16:00 – 18:30 Vespers and Chapel.

Thursday, October 23:

• 09:00 – 10:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 12:00 – 12:45 Path of the Saints Procession;
• 17:00 – 20:30 Vigil for the Holy Emperors Constantine and Elena.

Chalice with the relics of the Saints of St. Venerable Demetrius the New, the Protector of Bucharest Photo Doxology

Friday, October 24:

• 09:00 – 10:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 12:00 – 13:00 Reception of His Holiness Bartholomew I and Te-Deum;
• 17:00 – 20:30 St. John Jacob Vigil.

Saturday, October 25:

• 09:30 – 12:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 17:00 – 21:30 Vigil of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius.

Sunday, October 26:

• 09:30 – 12:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 17:00 – 21:00 Vigil of St. Demetrius the New.

Monday, the patron saint of Saint Demetrius the New, October 27:

• 09:30 – 12:30 Holy Bishop Liturgy with Patriarch Daniel and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I;
• 17:00 – 21:30 Vigil of St. Iachint and St. Teofana Basarab.

Tuesday, October 28:

• 09:30 – 12:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 16:00 – 18:00 Vespers and Chapel.

Wednesday, October 29:

• 09:00 – 10:30 Holy Liturgy;
• 16:00 – 18:30 Vespers and Chapel.

At the end of the day on October 29, the relics will be resettled in the Patriarchal Cathedral, thus concluding a memorable pilgrimage, full of faith, tradition and emotion.

St. Demetrius the New Pilgrimage Bucharest vs Iași – differences and relics

The pilgrimage to Saint Demetrius the New in Bucharest annually gathers thousands of believers in the heart of the Capital, but it is in an interesting contrast with the one in Iași, dedicated to Saint Parascheva, considered “the biggest Orthodox event in Eastern Europe and implicitly in Romania”.

In Iași, the crowds are impressive, and the pilgrimage attracts believers from all over the country and even from abroad, giving it an international dimension. In 2025, the participants also worshiped the relics of Saint Gregory Palamas, brought from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Thessaloniki, and last year, at the relics of the Holy Martyr Pantelimon – the Great Healer, arrived from Mount Athos (Saint Paul's Monastery).

In Bucharest, the relics exhibited this year come from several saints, including St. Pious John Jacob from Neamț – the New Hozevit. Although the event takes place in the capital and is of great importance for believers, its scale does not rival that of Iași. However, the experience is quieter, more accessible and more focused, offering a unique opportunity to worship in the spiritual center of the city.

Both pilgrimages, however, share the same load of faith and tradition, demonstrating how alive and vibrant Orthodox spirituality is in Romania.