Numerous Christians came on Sunday, 23 September 2018, to Gratiesti community, Chisinau, to participate in the consecration of a new church with the Patron Feast of the Nativity of Holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John.
The church was built on a plot of land donated by church ctitors, while its consecration and inauguration was much awaited by the parishioners living in this part of the community.
Metropolitan Vladimir was greeted in the morning by archpriest Victor Plesca, rector of Holy Trinity parish in the community of Gratiesti, and by the parishioners.
The service started with the consecration of the Holy Table in the Altar of the church, officiated by His Eminence Vladimir, who was assisted archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Metropolitan Secretary and Dean of Sector 1 Chisinau church circumscription, archpriest Zosima Toia, dean of Sector III Chisinau church circumscription, archpriest Victor Plesca, rector of Holy Trinity church in Gratiesti, and numerous other clergymen.
After the Divine Service, Metropolitan Vladimir congratulated the community, giving glory to God in thankfulness for the building of the new church and foundation of a new parish.
In sign of appreciation of pastoral mission and care, the parish rector, Fr. Victor Plesca, was awarded a high church distinction – Order of Holy Prince Stephan the Great.
Numerous church ctitors received metropolitan distinctions and awards.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations.