“the traditional “Rila Wonderworker” pilgrimage route has concluded in Bulgaria, with more than 100 Orthodox Christians from Bulgaria and other countries walking about 120 kilometers from Sofia to Rila Monastery
Similar quotes
“We therefore wish that our presence here today will be the preliminary message of what is to take place in October in Bulgaria, as an additional proof of the love of the Holy Great Church of Christ for this Saint, who, although he lived in ascetic obscurity on Mount Rila, became a source of sanctification not only for the Bulgarian people, but for the entire Orthodox Church
“Patriarch Bartholomew announced his visit to Bulgaria in October
“In the final part of her life, she withdrew to Surpatele Monastery, and from there she would often go to pray before the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God at Dintr-un Lemn Monastery. The route, which she sometimes travelled at night carrying oil lamps, became known as the Lady’s Road or the Road of Tears.
“What you are beginning today, as you make your way to Nicula Monastery, is a special undertaking. We are entering into a succession of experience, because generation after generation, for decades, perhaps even hundreds of years, people have done the same thing. This continuity of faith, but also of experience, is very important, showing our faith to be something living, something very much alive.
“A pilgrimage, he explained, should not end at the Jordan River. Pilgrims should also be encouraged to discover other Christian landmarks across the Kingdom, including Madaba and its famous mosaic map, Mount Nebo, Machaerus and the site associated with Prophet Elijah
“pilgrimage does not mean merely travelling to a place of worship, but also transforming the journey itself into a space of prayer
“I hope and believe that in 25 years, on its millennium, the Lavra will attract many Ukrainians, as well as pilgrims and tourists from across the civilized world
“alongside the other 13 holy Romanian women, shows the blessed work of God among the Romanian people, from whom these holy women arose.