BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Thousands of young Orthodox Christians gathered in Romania’s capital for a candlelit procession that illuminated a trail from the giant National Cathedral to Patriarchate Hill, a historic site considered sacred to Romanian Orthodoxy.

The Procession of Lights was part of a four-day program for the eighth edition of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth in Bucharest. The annual gathering brings together 2,400 people aged 16 to 35, many from Romania and its diaspora and other Orthodox churches.

Pilgrims from dozens of countries carried candles and flags through Bucharest’s streets as they made their way to Patriarchate Hill, home to the headquarters of the Romanian Patriarchate, and the Patriarchal Residence and Cathedral.

Romania is one of the most pious countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious. The Romanian Orthodox Church is a powerful institution that plays a central role in many people’s lives.

In his opening speech Tuesday, Patriarch Daniel said the gathering provides “a concrete opportunity to intensify the mission of young people in the life of the Church today” in what he described as a “rapidly secularizing society.”

“The young Orthodox Christian is a blessing to his family, a model for other young people and a missionary in the life of the Church,” he said. “Being young in the Church means above all having the desire and courage to testify to eternal Christian values ​​in a world fascinated by ephemeral models and values.”

The theme of this year’s edition, “Young people, Family and Life in Christ,” is relevant because “today’s young generation faces specific challenges,” some of which the organizers described on their website as technological hyperconnectivity, loneliness, a lack of role models and the search for the meaning of life.

“The church is a young people’s place where they can find refuge and solace,” Paula Pantea, a 24-year-old attendee, told The Associated Press. “They can find … friends that came to share the same thought: the young people are not alone in the Church, and the Church is here for them.”

The Procession of Lights on Wednesday began at the People’s Salvation Cathedral, known as the National Cathedral, which is the world’s largest Christian Orthodox church. The cathedral opened last year after 15 years of construction and has an inner capacity for 5,000 worshippers. The Romanian Orthodox Church has called the cathedral “a symbol of national identity.”

Adrian Agachi, a priest and press office coordinator for the Romanian Patriarchy, said that attendees — who he said came from 40 countries — will join Orthodox believers from all over Romania on Thursday for a holy liturgy at the National Cathedral.

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McGrath reported from Leamington Spa, England.