On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Feast Day of St. Paisy Velichkovsky brought together hierarchs, clergy, and faithful at the New Neamț Monastery in Chițcani, Slobozia District, marking the beginning of the Nativity Fast. This year commemorates the 230th anniversary of the repose of St. Paisius Velichkovsky, the 160th anniversary of the monastery’s founding, and the 30th anniversary of priestly service for the abbot, Archimandrite Paisie (Cecan).
The Divine Liturgy was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, at the Dormition of the Mother of God Church. He was joined by His Eminence Vikenty, Metropolitan of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, His Eminence Sava, Archbishop of Tiraspol and Dubasari, His Grace Iriney, Bishop of Orsk and Gai, His Grace Ioan, Bishop of Soroca and Drochia, His Grace Filaret, Bishop of Căpriana, and Vicar Bishops: His Grace Nicolae of Ceadîr-Lunga and His Grace Patrocl of Dondușeni, along with the abbot of the monaster, Archimandrite Paisie, Archimandrite Ioan (Danilescu), and a choir of priests and deacons.
During the Small Entrance, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded Archimandrite Paisie the Second Degree Order of St. Dionysius Erhan, in recognition of his dedicated service to the Church. Other clergy were also honoured:
- Egumens Atanasie (Artenie), Onufrie (Ucraineț), Nifon (Chivriga), and Teoctist (Gurău) were elevated to the rank of Archimandrite.
- Egumens Varnava (Trohin) and Ioan (Cucu) were granted the right to wear jeweled crosses.
- Hierodeacon Chiril (Capetinschi) received the distinction of a double orarion.
The liturgical responses were offered by the “St. Hierarch Gavriil Bănulescu-Bodoni” clergy choir, conducted by Fr. Vasile Damaschin, and the episcopal choir of the Diocese of Bălți and Fălești, led by Fr. Alexandru Paiul.
In his homily, Metropolitan Vladimir highlighted St. Paisy Velichkovsky’s role as a revitalizer of Orthodox monasticism and a spiritual guide in Moldova.
Following the service, a Te Deum of thanksgiving and health was officiated in front of the icon of St. Paisy. Archimandrite Paisie expressed his gratitude to the hierarchs, clergy, and faithful who joined in celebrating the monastery’s patron saint.
A memorial service was held at the grave of Bishop Dorimedont of Edineț and Briceni, who played a pivotal role in reopening of the monastery during the post-Soviet era and served as its abbot for eight years.
In the conclusion of the celebration, the hierarchs were invited to see the progress the interior fresco renovation in the Ascension of the Lord Cathedral of the monastery.
St. Paisius Velichkovsky is celebrated for his contributions to hesychastic tradition and spiritual renewal in the Orthodox Church. Renowned throughout the 18th century, his influence extended from Mount Athos to Kyiv’s Pechersk Lavra, Optina Monastery, and the northern Russian hermitages.
He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988 and by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1992, with his feast day observed on November 15/28.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Media Relations