Friday, 2 February 2018, the Arch-Pastor of the Orthodox Church of Moldova Metropolitan Vladimir, participated in the Festive Assembly dedicated to the inauguration of the year of St. Stephan the Great, Prince of Moldova.
The event took place in the Palace of the Republic, and started with a Thanks-Giving Service with prayers to the great prince of Moldova, officiated by His Eminence Vladimir and a synaxis of priests.
Present at the event were President Igor Dodon, academics, members of Parliament, and diplomats.
Addressing the arch-pastoral message to the audience, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir gave homage to the illustrious Moldovan Prince, mentioning: “The Great Prince was a man of righteousness and Christian love alike, showing forgiveness to enemies. We find evidence of holiness of Stephan the Great in his life and heritage. He bore his cross: as a prince – with cordial care of the country that was in continuous ascension and of the people who permanently lived under the threat of islamisation. Christ purified and sanctified him, giving him unshaken faith and victories, while his defeats appeared as acts of ordeal and cultivation of patience”.
In the light of the inauguration of the year of St. Stephan the Great, the President of Moldova approved an action plan containing 50 vast events in areas including history, culture, education, and sport.
This includes exhibitions dedicated to Stephan the Great, scientific conferences, sport events, scientific publications, awareness-raising activities, concerts, film production, competitions.
Numerous relics and shrines related to St. Stephan the Great will be brought from Turkey and Mount Athos in Greece, and exposed in public exhibitions in Moldova.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations