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The Shrine of the Nicula Monastery: Tens of thousands of believers at the largest Orthodox pilgrimage in Transylvaniatranslated

August 16, 2026 · 1 min read

Approximately 25,000 pilgrims participated on Saturday in the Holy Liturgy for the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin celebrated at the Nicula monastery in Cluj. According to the estimates of law enforcement, more than 70,000 people crossed the threshold of the monastery in the days leading up to the holy day.

The Holy Liturgy was officiated by Metropolitan Andrei of Cluj, Maramureș and Sălaj, together with Bishop Nestor of Deva and Hunedoara and Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland.

The following were part of the cathedral: archim. Dumitru Cobzaru, exarch of the monasteries of the Archdiocese of Cluj; Fr. Dumitru Boca, the administrative vicar of the Archdiocese of Vad, Feleac and Cluj; archim. Andrei Coroian, former abbot of the Nicula Monastery (2008-2012) and currently honorary diocesan vicar of the Diocese of Deva and Hunedoara; archim. Iustin Miron, abbot of the Nicula Monastery; archid. Claudiu Grama, diocesan councillor.

Prayers for peace Tens of thousands of believers participated on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the consecration Liturgy at the Nicula monastery in Cluj. Photo credit: Metropolis of Cluj Metropolitan Andrei raised prayers for rain and for peace, and in the teaching word he spoke to them...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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Elena García

I am glad that there were over 70,000 pilgrims in the days before. Metropolitan Andrei's prayer for rain and peace seemed very appropriate to me now, when this summer was a bit dry here as well. Archimandrite Iustin Miron as the current abbot, I think he had a lot to do with so many people.

Elizabeth Johnson

I noticed they mentioned the drought too—our garden's been struggling the same way here in Pennsylvania. Good to hear Archbishop Andrei prayed for rain and peace both. Father Iustin Miron must've been run off his feet getting everything ready for that many people.

Beatriz López

I'm glad that more than 70,000 pilgrims passed before the feast day, even if here in Mexico we don't have that many people in one place. Metropolitan Andrei's prayer for rain seemed very timely to me, this summer was also dry here. Archimandrite Iustin Miron, as abbot, probably did not close an eye for weeks with such organization.

Георгий Киселёв

Yes, 70 thousand in a couple of days is solid. In Voronezh there are also always a lot of people for the Assumption, but there are not so many people. It’s good that Vladyka Andrei prayed for rain, too, this year we also had a hard time with water, and there was almost no harvest of bread. And Father Justin Miron probably really didn’t sit down until the holiday itself.

Cristina López

I'm glad you mentioned the drought, here in Seville we also lacked water for much of the summer and the prayer for rain felt very concrete. Father Iustin Miron must have coordinated everything like a true electrician of crowds, I imagine the work with the sound and light cables for so many people. Did you ever go to Nicula?