On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Archbishop George of Cyprus joined Patriarch Daniel of Romania at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest for the solemn reception of the relics of Saint Lazarus. The event took place as part of the celebrations dedicated to Saint Demetrios the New, Protector of Bucharest.
“We have come to receive the blessings of the Romanian Saints: Saint Andrew the Apostle, the First-Called, Saint Demetrios the New, Saint Paraskevi, and Saint John James the Chozebite,” said Archbishop George. He further remarked, “I have visited Romania before and was deeply impressed by the piety of the Romanian people. My entourage and I assure you that we have never witnessed a religious procession as reverent as this one.”
Archbishop George brought with him the spiritual blessings of Cyprus, saying, “Coming from the island of Cyprus, a country with few believers but a long and tested history, we bring the blessings of our Saints, the founders of our Church: the Holy Apostles Barnabas, Paul, and Mark, Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Trimithounta, Saint Epiphanius, Saint John the Merciful, and many others.”
He also emphasized the significance of Saint Lazarus, saying, “In particular, we bring the blessings of the Holy and Righteous Lazarus, the friend of Christ.” The Archbishop reflected on the two-thousand-year history of Christianity in Cyprus and the time Saint Lazarus spent there as the first Bishop of Kition (modern-day Larnaca).
“Those who have visited Cyprus have surely venerated the Church of Saint Lazarus in Larnaca, where his second tomb is located. You were undoubtedly struck by the beauty and majesty of the Byzantine church, and by the presence of the relics of the man for whom Christ wept, sanctifying the place,” he added.
Addressing Patriarch Daniel, Archbishop George expressed his gratitude: “Your Beatitude, we thank you once again for the joy of being here in the beautiful country you shepherd. We look forward to the opportunity to concelebrate together, in different languages but with one heart, glorifying the Holy Trinity.”
Metropolitan Nektarios of Kition, the successor of Saint Lazarus, was also part of the Cypriot delegation attending the celebration of Saint Demetrios the New in Bucharest.
The pilgrimage, dedicated to Saint Demetrios, began on Sunday morning and has already attracted thousands of believers. The arrival of Saint Lazarus’ relics is expected to significantly increase the number of pilgrims participating in this deeply spiritual event.
Translated from Romanian: Deacon f. Andreas Mattei