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…
A procession of young Orthodox Christians adorned in traditional attire took to the streets of Bucharest, Romania's capital, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The event, known as the Procession of Lights, marked the opening ceremony of the eighth edition of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (IMOY) in the city. Thousands of participants, aged 16 to 35, converged on the National Cathedral, setting off a trail of flickering candlelight towards Patriarchate Hill, a site revered by Romanian Orthodoxy.
The annual gathering, which drew 2,400 attendees from Romania and its diaspora, as well as other Orthodox churches worldwide, sought to strengthen the role of young people within the Church amid a rapidly secularizing society. Patriarch Daniel emphasized during his opening remarks on Tuesday that the young Orthodox Christians serve as "a blessing to his family, a model for other young people, and a missionary in the life of the Church."
He urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christian values in a world captivated by fleeting trends.
The theme for this year's meeting, "Young people, Family and Life in Christ," resonated as young people confronted contemporary challenges such as excessive technological connectivity, feelings of isolation, the absence of role models, and a quest for life's purpose. Romania stands out as one of the most devout nations within the European Union, with approximately 85% of its population identifying as religious. The Romanian Orthodox Church holds significant sway, impacting the lives of many within the country.
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