Romania sees tens of thousands gather at Pantocrator Monastery pilgrimage

Deputy Călin Florin Groza attended the feast day of the Saint Mary Magdalene Monastery in Bicaz, praising the preservation of faith, values and cultural roots. He highlighted the monastery’s historic connection to the region and expressed gratitude to local officials for the invitation.

At the same time, an estimated tens of thousands of believers converged on the Pantocrator Monastery in Drăgănești‑Vlașca, Teleorman, to pray before the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene and the miracle‑working icon of the Mother of God Portărița. The pilgrimage ended at midnight as the icons prepared to return to Mount Athos. Pilgrims endured long queues, some waiting over an hour, seeking prayers for health, family and peace. Several participants also voiced opposition to removing religious instruction from schools, underscoring the role of Orthodoxy in Romanian society.