Honorable Head of Saint John Chrysostom brought to Bucharest

Romanian Patriarch Daniel venerating the Honorable Head of Saint John Chrysostom, brought from Mount Athos. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

On July 11, 2025, the honorable head of Saint John Chrysostom was brought to Bucharest from the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos on the occasion of the jubilee celebrations of the Romanian Orthodox Church. This was reported by the Orthodoxia news agency.

The relic, kept on Mount Athos as one of the greatest spiritual treasures, was brought to the capital of Romania by the abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery, Elder Ephraim. The official reception took place at the Patriarchal Cathedral, where the Honorable Head was welcomed by Romanian Patriarch Daniel, aling with hierarchs, clergy, and numerous believers.

His Beatitude Romanian Patriarch stated: "This great spiritual treasure has become for us a testimony of the love of the brotherly Athonite monastery and a reminder of the holiness to which every Christian is called."

"Saint John Chrysostom was a true missionary, confessor, and sufferer, who through his preaching and written legacy continues to strengthen the hearts of millions of believers," noted Patriarch Daniel in his speech.

After the Patriarch's welcoming speech, Elder Ephraim himself addressed those present: "Our monastery lives under the protection of the Most Holy Theotokos and Saint Chrysostom. His Honorable Head with the incorrupt left ear is not just a relic, but a living grace that heals and comforts. We thank God that this year you celebrate the 140th anniversary of Autocephaly and the 100th anniversary of the Patriarchate, and that this relic can be with you now."

Elder Ephraim of Vatopedi repeatedly emphasized: "This ear, with which Chrysostom heard God, did not succumb to decay, so that the Church would know: the word of God, listened to with faith, sanctifies and transforms the whole person."

"Saint John was a man of obedience and prayer. And today he continues to spiritually guide all who seek the truth," emphasized the abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery.

Immediately after the reception, a multi-day pilgrimage began, which will continue until Wednesday, July 16. Daily services are held before the holy relic, and on Sunday, July 13, a solemn outdoor Liturgy dedicated to the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Demetrius the New, the patron saint of Bucharest, will be celebrated in the courtyard of the Patriarchal Cathedral. 

The arrival of the relic became part of the jubilee events dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the translation of the relics of Saint Demetrius to Bucharest in 1774. 

Earlier, the UOJ reported that UOC priests participated in the celebrations of the Romanian monastery in Putna.

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