Saint Dimitrie cel Nou and the history of his relics in Bucharest

Saint Dimitrie cel Nou, a 13th-century ascetic who lived near the Lom River in the Basarabov region, is honored as the protector of Bucharest. Originally a shepherd, he entered monastic life and lived in a cave, where he eventually passed away. His relics remained hidden under water and sand for a long period after a flood covered his resting place.

According to tradition, the location of the relics was revealed through a vision to a sick child. Upon their discovery, many people reported healings. During the Russo-Turkish War between 1769 and 1774, General Petru Saltikov intended to move the relics to Russia. However, following the intervention of a believer named Hagi Dimitrie, the relics were instead gifted to the Romanian lands. Since 1774, the holy relics have been housed in the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.