By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion, / You did confirm the universal Resurrection, O Christ God! / Like the children with the palms of victory, / we cry out to You, O Vanquisher of death: / Hosanna in the Highest! / Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! (Troparion of St. Lazarus, Tone 1)
On Lazarus Saturday, 12 April 2025, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “Resurrection of the Lord” Monastery located within the Saint Lazarus Cemetery in Chișinău, marking the Patron Feast of the holy place.
Concelebrating with His Eminence were: His Eminence Archbishop Sava of Tiraspol and Dubăsari, His Eminence Archbishop Anatolie of Cahul and Comrat, His Grace Bishop Ioan of Soroca and Drochia, His Grace Bishop Nicolae of Ceadîr-Lunga (Vicar of the Diocese of Cahul and Comrat), Archpriest Vadim Cheibaș, Secretary of the Metropolis and Dean of Chișinău’s First Deanery Sector, Archpriest Nicolae Tudoreanu, sacristan and administrator of the “Resurrection of the Lord” Monastery, Archpriest Pavel Vuluță, Dean of Drochia, Archimandrite Irinarh (Costru), Abbot of Țigănești Monastery, Archimandrite Ioan (Danilescu), Secretary to Archbishop Sava, along with a host of clergy and deacons.
In recognition of his distinguished service at the Monastery, during the Small Entrance, the Primate awarded Archpriest Nicolae Tudoreanu the Second Class “Holy Archangel Michael” Distinction of the Eparchy of Tiraspol and Dubăsari.
During the litany for the departed, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the ever-memorable Archpriest Tudor Tudoreanu, Matushka Maria Tudoreanu, and all the founders and benefactors of the Monastery who have passed into the Lord.
During the divine service, Subdeacon Vitalie Nedelcu, a first-year student at the Orthodox Theological Academy of Moldova, was ordained deacon to serve the “Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel” parish near the Airport in Chișinău.
Following the Liturgy, a procession was held around both churches with the reading of the four festal Gospels, followed by a memorial service at the grave of Father Tudor Tudoreanu, and a festal Te Deum.
The hierarch extended his gratitude to all who labour and serve in the holy monastery, particularly to Archpriest Nicolae Tudoreanu for his efforts in caring for and beautifying the monastery, wishing him health and spiritual strength in the fulfilment of his duties. Several outstanding benefactors of the monastery were also awarded diocesan orders and medals.
In turn, Father Nicolae thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, the hierarchs present, the monastery’s benefactors, and the faithful gathered for their support and eucharistic fellowship on this festive occasion.
The Raising of Lazarus is commemorated in the Orthodox Church on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Together, these two days form the bridge between Great Lent and Holy Week: they are celebratory days, anticipating the joy of Christ’s Resurrection—His triumph over death.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations