On the 16th Sunday after the Pentecost, commemoration day of St. John the Theologian, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Nativity of the Lord Metropolitan Cathedral in Chisinau.
The Metropolitan was assisted at the Divine Service by the Diocesan Secretary and Rector of the Cathedral, Mitred Archpriest Vadim Cheibas, and the clergy of the Cathedral.
Holy Apostle and Evangelist John is also known as St. John the Theologian. He was one of the 12 Apostles and wrote the Gospel that bears his name. St. John is present in the Gospel as the beloved disciple of Jesus, rather than writing his own name. He was the youngest of the 12 Apostles, and very close to the Lord. This close relation is often represented in the icons of the Supper of the Lord, where St. John is depicted leaning on Christ.
Apostle John was present at the Transfiguration of the Lord, along with Peter and his brother James. He was exiled on Patmos island by emperor Domitianus between 90 and 95 AD, where he had the revelation of the Book of Apocalypse.
It is not known exactly how long St. John lived. Some write he lived 120 years, others mention 105 and seven months; it is known, however, that he lived over one hundred years.
At the Divine Service, the Archpastor sang along with numerous church-goers the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, after which His Eminence blessed the faithful, calling them for good acts, for the well-being and salvation of souls.
This Sunday’s service, strengthened by zealous prayers of all those present, made this Divine Liturgy bring light, peace, and joy in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Relations with Mass-Media