Hundreds of Romanians gathered in prayer at Kufstein, Austria, to honor the Transylvanian Martyrs, who died for their faith at this historic site in the 18th century.
The pilgrimage began with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, alongside his Assistant Bishop Sofian of Brașov. The service took place at Saint Vitus Cathedral in Kufstein.
Bishop Sofian highlighted that in addition to the traditional pilgrimages in October to Iași (Moldavia) on October 14 and Bucharest (Muntenia) on October 27, this pilgrimage at Kufstein, focused on Transylvania, is becoming an important tradition around October 21.
“A sacred place is one that gives meaning. This place is perhaps the holiest in our entire archdiocese, considering the profound meaning that these saints have given to their lives, work, and suffering,” Bishop Sofian said.
“We are called to understand their sacrifice and strive to live in holiness, leading meaningful lives that also improve the existence of those around us and for future generations, in accordance with the Gospel teaching: ‘Whoever acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God,’” he added.
At the end of the service, Metropolitan Serafim emphasized the importance of maintaining the Orthodox faith, the Romanian language, and ancestral traditions while living abroad.
“If God has brought us here and allowed us to live in the diaspora, He has done so that we may humbly and sincerely bear witness to our faith—the true faith, grounded in the seven Ecumenical Councils, which we must preserve intact,” the Metropolitan said.
Romania’s Consul General in Salzburg, Radu-Dumitru Florea, was also present at the service.
Honouring the Transylvanian Martyrs
Following the Liturgy, the two bishops, priests from Austrian parishes, and pilgrims made their way to the former Kufstein Fortress, where the Transylvanian Martyrs were imprisoned.
A memorial service was held at the commemorative plaque, installed last year at the old prison, to remember those who had passed into eternal life.
Pilgrims had the opportunity to witness the torture devices on display at the former prison, a grim testament to the suffering endured by the prisoners.
The pilgrimage concluded with a traditional agape meal, organized by parish priest Daniel Stan and the local community in Kufstein.
The event wrapped up with the Western Austria Deanery Clergy Conference, presided over by Metropolitan Serafim.
The Transylvanian Confessor Saints—Saints Bessarion, Sophronius, Martyr Oprea Nicholas, and Confessor Priests John of Galeș and Moses Măcinic of Sibiel—are commemorated on October 21.
Photo: Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Germany
Source: basilica.ro
