Transylvanian Pilgrimages

The organizers of the 2012 ICUUW Convocation are pleased to offer both pre- and post-event extensions for those participants who wish to broaden their knowledge of Unitarian history, deepen their personal connections with the Unitarians of Transylvania, and see other regions of Europe and Romania.

All proceeds from these optional extensions will go the ICUUW scholarship fund! Register: Prague & Budapest September 23–29, 2012 7 days/6 nights—from $899/person

Register: Unitarian Heritage & Saxon Cities

September 29–October 4
6 days/5 nights—from $745/person

Beginning in Kolozsvár/Cluj, this trip will start with the celebration of Transylvanian Thanksgiving and then travel on to the most significant and revered Unitarian sites in Transylvania. These include Kolozsvár, Torda, Mészkő, Gyulafehérvár and Déva where local ministers and others will share with you the stories of our Unitarian heroes and martyrs such as Francis David, John Sigismund, and Ferenc Balázs on the same ground where they stood. The tour will also visit a number of places of general interest such as the 13th century castle at Vajdahunyad, the Saxon fortress church at Biertan, and the medieval citadel in Segesvár/Sighisoara (both are UNESCO World Heritage sites). You will also stay overnight in the Saxon capital of Transylvania, Sibiu, which was named European Capital of Culture for 2007.

Register: Maramureş & Bucovina

Wooden Churches & Painted Monasteries
October 7–13
7 days/6 nights—from $745/person

Hidden away in these remote regions along the Romania/Ukraine border are some of the most spectacular scenery and picturesque religious treasures to be found anywhere. You will experience the unique culture, architecture, and scenery of Maramureş and tour four of the most famous painted monasteries (Voroneţ, Humor, Moldoviţa, and Suceaviţa—all UNESCO World Heritage sites) with a knowledgeable guide. This tour begins in Marosvásárhely/ Tirgu Mureş at the conclusion of the Second ICUUW Convocation, where extension participants will remain overnight on October 7. The tour ends in Kolozsvár/Cluj on the morning of October 13.

Visiting your Partner Village or Town

Before and after the Convocation there will be an opportunity for those participants with partner churches in Transylvania to visit their partner towns and villages, and to reconnect with members of the congregation. Participants who do not have partners in Romania will be given the opportunity to spend time in a Unitarian village so they might better understand their co-religionists and experience their way of life. The UUPCC Pilgrimage Service can assist with all your logistics including transportation needs and interpreters as required. Transportation costs are a function of vehicle size and distance traveled. UUPCC interpreters receive $50/day. To plan your partner church visit contact John Dale at jdaleuupcc@yahoo.com.
Pre- and post-convocation tour logistics will be coordinated by the UU Partner Church Council Pilgrimage Service which has more than 15 years experience facilitating the visits of UUs to Eastern and Central Europe. For more details including dates, costs, daily itineraries and registration materials please visit the UUPCC website at www.uupcc.org/trips.html.

Register for Tours

For more details on any of UUPCC’s Pilgrimages, visit our website at www.uupcc.org/trips.html and scroll down to the trip of interest.