Paper short abstract:

In past times of uncertainty, communities have relied on magic and religion for their protection and deliverance from harm. While the magical rituals seem to have been forgotten today, religious rituals still comforted many during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Paper long abstract:

In Romania, a South-eastern European country with a tormented past, people have a long history of relying on magic and religion for protection in uncertain times. Whether from the various plagues or cholera epidemics, draughts, earthquakes, floods or the numerous wars, magic and religious rituals have always been used to restore stability and harmony in the community.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, before any measures were taken by State authorities, the Orthodox Church issued a special prayer to end the pandemic. The prayer was sent to all priests in Romania with the specific instruction that it should be read at the end of each service. This initiative was not new. Liturgical textbooks mention a particular service meant to be performed “during times of contagious diseases and pestilences”.

Throughout the lockdown, which coincided with Orthodox Easter, priests continued services, in empty churches. As in previous times of tribulation and uncertainty, miraculous icons and holy relics were taken around dozens of regions, cities, towns and villages in processions, however this time, in the absence of people. Vehicles carrying the precious cargo stopped in front of churches and hospitals, while prayers for the cessation of the pandemic were read out loud. At least twenty-three processions were made public; others not publicised, were also performed. While reliance on these Church rituals was not new and has persisted from past generations, belief in magical protective rituals seems to have disappeared.