His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, the first hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, on Wednesday, during the Bright Week, celebrated the liturgy at the church Holy Great-Martyr George in Chisinau.
In the solemn tolling of bells, His Eminence was welcomed by the Protopriest Nicolae, the parish rector, accompanied by the clergy and multitudes of faithful who came to the Divine Liturgy to bring glory and thanksgiving to God for all the blessings showered upon them.
In the liturgical communion, the Hierarch had at his side in prayer Fr. Vadim Cheibaș, Metropolitan Secretary and Protopope of Sector I, Chisinau, Fr. Nicolae Florinschi, rector of St. George Church, as well as a choir of priests and deacons.
At the Small Entrance, the Arch-pastor decorated the parish rector, Protopriest Nicolae Florinschi, with the highest distinction of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, the right to wear the second cross.
During the Holy Service, the altar assistant Nicolae Vancea was ordained by the Metropolitan as a lector for the host parish.
The Divine Liturgy was followed by the Cross Procession around the Church with the reading of the four Holy Gospels, followed by a thanks-giving service .
In his address, the Archbishop appreciated the hard work and effort of the faithful together with the parish rector, who had worked with great sacrifice and dedication in building this holy place. At the same time, His Eminence offered to the parishioners present at the celebration icons of St. Mgr. Panteleimon and prayer booklets as a sign of spiritual growth and present remembrance of the event.
In conclusion, Father-Parish Nicolae thanked the Metropolitan for the archpastoral service, in the midst of the faithful of the community entrusted to him, ensuring that he will continue his mission with humility and obedience to the Church and the Arch-pastor.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations