Young Orthodox Christians take part in a lights procession in Romania’s capital

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Thousands of young Orthodox Christians gathered in Romania’s capital for a candlelit procession that illuminated a trail from the giant National Cathedral to Patriarchate Hill, a historic site considered sacred to Romanian Orthodoxy.

The Procession of Lights was part of a four-day program for the eighth edition of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth in Bucharest. The annual gathering brings together 2,400 people aged 16 to 35, many from Romania and its diaspora and other Orthodox churches.

Pilgrims from dozens of countries carried candles and flags through Bucharest’s streets as they made their way to Patriarchate Hill, home to the headquarters of the Romanian Patriarchate, and the Patriarchal Residence and Cathedral.

Romania is one of the most pious countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious. The Romanian Orthodox Church is a powerful institution that plays a central role in many people’s lives.

In his opening speech Tuesday, Patriarch Daniel said the gathering provides “a concrete opportunity to intensify the mission of young people in the life of the Church today” in what he described as…