More than a thousand pilgrims who traveled to Iași to venerate the relics of St. Parascheva have required medical care during the first five days of this year's pilgrimage, according to a situation report released by the Bacău Gendarmerie. The authorities said 1,023 people received medical attention, a figure that underscores the physical toll of the long hours spent waiting in line and the sheer scale of the annual event.
The pilgrimage, which began on Thursday, October 6, and concludes on Wednesday, October 14, with the feast of St. Parascheva, has drawn large crowds to the northeastern Romanian city. Despite the high number of medical interventions, the gendarmes noted that waiting times have been shorter than in previous years, a sign that crowd management measures are working. The report was released just before the feast day itself, when authorities expect a further increase in the number of worshippers arriving at the reliquary.
In a statement, the authorities thanked all participating structures for their professionalism and support in managing the mission, as well as the pilgrims for their «understanding, patience, and responsible behavior» over the five days. The gendarmes also urged pilgrims to stay informed about weather conditions and to pay close attention to their health, especially as the event enters its most intense phase.
To handle the large flow of people, organizers have set up a single access corridor leading to the area where the relics are placed. The route passes through several streets in Iași, including Arhitect G.M. Cantacuzino, Iordache Lozonschi, Cloșca, Petru Movilă, Uzinei, Morilor, Alexandru Ipsilanti Vodă, Sfântul Andrei, Iancu Bacalu, and Bulevardul Regele Ferdinand I al României. Priests, volunteers, and law enforcement officers are present along the route to guide the faithful and manage the crowds.
Pilgrims are advised to carry water and food, wear clothing suited to the weather, and ensure their mobile phones are charged. Information about the position of the end of the queue is being updated throughout the pilgrimage to help people plan their wait. The measures reflect the logistical challenge of accommodating tens of thousands of believers who come to Iași each October for one of the most important religious events in Romania.
The pilgrimage to the relics of St. Parascheva is a central fixture in the country's Orthodox calendar, drawing pilgrims from across Romania and abroad. The saint, also known as Paraskeva of the Balkans, is venerated as a protector of the region, and her relics have been kept in Iași for centuries. The annual feast on October 14 commemorates the translation of her relics, and the days leading up to it are marked by continuous services, processions, and long queues of worshippers.
Authorities have not reported any major incidents beyond the medical cases, and the gendarmerie's report suggests that the event has so far unfolded without serious disruption. The coming days, however, will test the preparations as the number of pilgrims is expected to peak. The authorities' message to pilgrims remains one of caution and preparedness, emphasizing that personal health and safety should remain a priority alongside spiritual devotion.