Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2, 14)
On the second day after the Nativity of the Lord, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Theotokos, the most ancient Christian Feast in the honour of the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, dating back to the fifth century.
The word synaxis means gathering of people. In the current context, by this word, Christians are called to gather in the Church to honour Mother of God here, on earth, but it also reminds us that our most holy Lady Theotokos is supra-venerated in Heavens, among all Saints and Angels, and our today’s prayerful congregation on earth is meant to join the heavenly powers, to give glory to Infant Jesus Christ and his Most Pure Mother.
It has become a tradition that on the second day after the Nativity of the Lord, all bishops of the Orthodox Church of Moldova gather in the Metropolitan Cathedral to share the joy of the Nativity Feast and to unite in prayer for the faithful flock and entire world, giving glory to God and to the Most Pure Virgin Mary.
After the Divine Liturgy in the Metropolitan Cathedral, Archbishop Sava of Tiraspol and Dubasari congratulated Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and all Moldova, on behalf of the Episcopate of the Moldovan Orthodox Church, wishing to the arch-pastor long live, away from hazards and temptation, and steadiness in the pastoral mission at the helm of the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir was also congratulated by archpriest Vadim Cheibas, the Cathedral Dean and Metropolitan Secretary, who spoke on behalf of the clergy of the Metropolitan Cathedral, thanking the arch-pastor of the fatherly care and love for the country and its people.
The Cathedral’s Choir of Children chanted Christmas Carols, glorifying the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Synaxis of the Theotokos is one of five Great Feasts dedicated to the Most Pure Virgin Mary.
On the third day after the Nativity of the Lord, the Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations