Over 24,500 people have worshiped the relics of St Parascheva, as of Wednesday morning, when the pilgrimage organised by the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bukovina began, ahead of the feast day on 14 October.
Because of the rain and low temperatures, the number of pilgrims visiting the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bukovina is smaller than in recent years. Currently, there are around 3,000 people waiting in line.
The number of pilgrims coming to venerate the relics of St Parascheva is expected to increase throughout the day.
Authorities advise believers taking part in the pilgrimage to pay special attention to children and elderly companions to prevent them from getting lost, as well as to their personal belongings.
Moreover, people with serious health conditions who require constant medical care should ensure they have their necessary medication and medical history with them, to present in case of emergencies.
At the same time, taking into account the changing weather conditions, pilgrims are also advised to make sure they have suitable clothing for wind and rain.
"At this event, a very large turnout is expected and the waiting time may be long, so it is advisable to have water and food supplies, as not all areas have shops where you can buy what you need. If, for any reason, you leave the queue for a while, stay in contact with the members of your group and inform the volunteers or the security forces. Make sure your mobile phone is charged and, if possible, carry an external battery so you can stay in touch with your family or group at all times," representatives of the Bacau Mobile Gendarmerie Unit conveyed.
The Romanian Orthodox Church decided in 1955 to celebrate on 14 October the feast day of St Parascheva, regarded as the protector of Moldavia. Thus, around this date, the city of Iasi becomes the country's largest pilgrimage centre.
Keeping the tradition, on October 14, the feast day of St. Parascheva, on a podium in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral, on the Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard, the Liturgical Mass will be celebrated, an event attended by clergy from Romania and abroad, and pilgrims from all over the country. Several large screens will be placed on the boulevard, so that the entire religious ceremony can be watched.
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