The Christian feast honoring Saint Hierarch Niphon, Patriarch of Constantinople and Metropolitan of Wallachia, was celebrated in Târgovişte, Romania, on August 10-11, 2024. The events, coordinated by Archbishop and Metropolitan Nifon, drew more than 20,000 pilgrims from across the country.
The festivities commenced on August 10, with the Vespers service, followed by a Youth Pilgrimage through the historical center of Târgovişte. During this pilgrimage, a procession featuring the holy relics of Saint Hierarch Niphon was attended by over 4,000 young people, including schoolchildren and students.
On August 11, Metropolitan Nifon celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with participation from Metropolitan Vasilios of Constantia and Famagusta (Orthodox Church of Cyprus), Metropolitan Naum of Russe (Bulgarian Orthodox Church), and others.
During the celebrations, Metropolitan Nifon also launched new volumes published by the Archdiocesan Publishing House. These publications aim to promote the Orthodox Church’s message within the Romanian educational system and inspire young people to pursue academic excellence. In recognition of outstanding achievements, Metropolitan Nifon awarded students with top marks in the 2023-2024 School Olympiads, Contests, and the National Evaluation and Baccalaureate, along with their mentor teachers.
In addition, this year’s events, dedicated by the Romanian Patriarchate to all holy voluntary healers, featured the relics of Saint Hierarch Niphon displayed for veneration alongside the relics of Saint Nectarios of Aegina, which were specially brought in for the occasion.
