On Monday, 9 June 2025, the graduates of the Orthodox Theological Academy and the Saint Hierarch Gavriil Orthodox Theological Seminary in Chișinău solemnly took their oath of fidelity to the Church — a long-standing tradition observed on the feast day of the Holy Spirit.
In the morning, the graduates participated in the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the students’ chapel of Three Holy Hierarchs by His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
Concelebrating to the Metropolitan were the Very Reverend Archimandrite Nectarie (Gherman), Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs, the Reverend Protopriest Alexandru Comendant, Dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, as well as clergy, seminary faculty, and faithful who had gathered in prayer.
During the Little Entrance, His Eminence awarded Deacon Maxim Sturza, cleric of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the right to wear the kamilavka.
The Divine Liturgy included the ordination of Deacon Varsanufie Varsanufie to the priesthood and the ordination of Subdeacon Adrian Baltag, a 2007 graduate of the Academy, to the diaconate.
At the conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded Archimandrite Nectarie the right to wear a second pectoral cross in recognition of his dedicated work in the theological institution and on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
Following the Liturgy, the graduates solemnly recited the oath of faith in the presence of Metropolitan Vladimir — the Rector of the Academy — their professors, families, and guests.
In his address to the graduates, His Eminence thanked them for their diligence and respect during their studies, and encouraged them to continue carrying the honourable name of the Academy and to serve worthily at the Holy Altar for the glory of God and the salvation of the faithful.
The Metropolitan also expressed gratitude to the teaching staff for their dedication, professionalism, and pedagogical excellence in educating future theologians.
In his turn, Archimandrite Nectarie expressed deep thanks for the distinction awarded and for the Metropolitan’s constant care for the Academy and Seminary, affirming the loyalty and obedience of the faculty and students to the Church’s leadership.
As in previous years, Metropolitan Vladimir also awarded medals and diplomas to the most outstanding graduates, in recognition of their dedication and service to the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
The graduates likewise offered heartfelt words of thanks to His Eminence for his spiritual care and guidance, and to their professors for their patience and perseverance throughout the years of formation.
The visit concluded with a review of the ongoing repair works at the institution, as well as a presentation of upcoming projects to be carried out with God’s help and blessing.
Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations of the Synod