Bishop Benedict urges faithful to leave behind ‘the noise of the outside world’ during Dormition Fast

“Let us set aside, for a time, the noise of the outside world, give shape to the power of communion, and bear witness to the joy of our Orthodox faith,” Bishop Benedict of Sălaj said in a message at the beginning of the Dormition Fast .

“We are all called—priests, monastics, and faithful alike—to add greater substance to our lives and, together, to help one another grow spiritually within the communities to which we belong,” His Grace added.

A Spiritual Pilgrimage At the beginning of his message, the bishop reminded the faithful that “the Dormition Fast is a favourable time for the renewal of the soul,” and concluded by comparing the observance of the fast to an inward pilgrimage.

“Let us set out on this journey with courage and with pure hearts,” the bishop urged.

In the Diocese of Sălaj, the fasting period will conclude with The Way of the Most Pure One , an annual walking pilgrimage dedicated to the Mother of God, the protector of families, children, and young people.

The pilgrimage, established last year, takes place every year on the eve of the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Pilgrims walk from Sânpetru Almașului to Strâmba Monastery in Sălaj County,…