The Holy Hierarch Joseph the New of Partoș reposed in the Lord in 1656. After 300 years, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church resolved to glorify him among the saints.
Tuesday night, in honour of the 65th anniversary of his canonization, a procession with his precious relics and a festive nighttime Vigil and Liturgy was celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Timișoara, where his relics are treasured, reports the Metropolis of Banat.
Thousands of Orthodox faithful from all across Romania gathered on the eve of St. Joseph’s feast to venerate and honour the patron saint of Banat.
The services began with Great Vespers with Litiya celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Ioan of Banat, His Grace Assistant Bishop Paisie of Lugoj, and a number of local and visiting priests and deacons.
According to tradition, following the evening service, the faithful processed through the streets of Timisoara with the relics of the Holy Hierarch. Thousands of clergy, monastics, and believers joined in the holy march with lighted candles.
After the procession, his reliquary was opened and placed in the centre of the cathedral for veneration, while the liturgical program continued throughout the night with the Matins service, culminating in the Divine Liturgy at midnight.
Photography courtesy of the Metropolis of Banat
