St Paraskeva feast in Iași: Pilgrims seek to follow in the footsteps of saints, says Metropolitan Teofan

Thousands of faithful attended the feast of St Paraskeva in Iași on 14 October. On this occasion, Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina highlighted the participation of pilgrims “who wish to follow in the footsteps of the saints, draw inspiration from their lives and receive God’s help through their prayers”.

This year, the relics of St Paisius of Sihăstria were also placed for veneration alongside those of St Paraskeva.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by an assembly of 28 Romanian and foreign hierarchs, including Metropolitan Dimitrios of France and Exarch of Europe (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Metropolitan George of Kitros, Katerini and Platamonas (Church of Greece), Bishop Qais of Erzurum (Patriarchate of Antioch) and Auxiliary Bishop Iakov of Stobi of the Metropolis of Strumica (Orthodox Church of North Macedonia).

The service took place at the outdoor altar set up on Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard in Iași.

Patron saint of Orthodox peoples

Metropolitan Dimitrios (Ecumenical Patriarchate) highlighted the bond between the Balkan peoples through Saint Paraskeva on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Photo credit: Doxologia / Oana Nechifor

Metropolitan Dimitrios…