SYNDESMOS pilgrimage to Transylvania

- In January 2000, at an encounter of Orthodox youth leaders in Bois-Salair Castle in France [SYNDESMOS News, Spring/Summer 2000], the idea for a pilgrimage to Romania was born. There were many reasons to visit Romania: a rich spiritual and monastic heritage, natural beauty, the unique experience represented by a pilgrimage, and the need to strengthen
contacts with local Orthodox youth movements.
Some 35 participants shared nine days on a journey that will be difficult to forget. The group spent one day in Bucharest, where they visited the Patriarchate, ASCOR offices, local parishes and a museum; three days in Alba Iulia, where they were addressed by Father Teofil of Simbata, attended a conference with youth leaders, and visited parishes and an orphanage; and three days in the Transylvanian mountains walking from monastery to monastery. Notwithstanding the difficult conditions and the tiring programme, the pilgrimage left a deep mark on the participants. Local youth groups have already planned an international pilgrimage to Romania in 2001! Pictures of the pilgrimage may be seen at www.cc.ece.ntua.gr/~ampalaf/romania