On the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, 9 November 2025, the Monastery of the Holy Great Martyr George in the village of Suruceni celebrated a special event, marking the 240th anniversary of its foundation and the 200th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the church dedicated to the same feast.
In the morning, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, was welcomed by the Reverend Abbess Epistemia (Goncearenco), by a group of hierarchs and priests, as well as by the multitude of faithful who came to take part in the celebration.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the historic Church of the Holy Great Martyr George. Concelebrating with His Eminence were His Eminence Archbishop Ioan of Soroca and Drochia, His Grace Bishop Siluan of Orhei, Vicar of the Metropolis, Archpriest Vadim Cheibaș, Secretary of the Metropolis, together with a number of priests and deacons.
The Divine Service began with the rite of the Consecration of the Holy Table in the Altar. The Holy Table is the most sacred place in the sanctuary. Upon it the Holy Mysteries are celebrated; here the saving dispensation of Christ is made present, the Sacrifice of the Saviour is fulfilled, and the bread and wine are transformed by the Holy Spirit into the Body and Blood of the Lord.
At the Small Entrance, as a sign of high appreciation for her work in the extensive restoration of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George, as well as for her care and labour for the adornment and development of the entire monastery, the Reverend Abbess Epistemia, Superior nun of Suruceni Monastery, was distinguished with the right to wear a second jewelled cross.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Primate ordained Deacon Feodor Tezec to the priesthood for ministry at the parish of St Basil the Great in the Botanica district of the capital.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the traditional procession around the church took place, with the reading of the Resurrection Gospels. Thereafter, the Metropolitan addressed those present, offering thanks to the Abbess and the monastic community for their dedication and devotion. His Eminence Vladimir underlined that Suruceni Monastery has become a true spiritual jewel in the heart of Moldova – a place of prayer and peace, where the souls of the faithful are adorned by coming closer to God.
On this occasion, the Primate presented an honorary diploma to the monastic community, in recognition of their contribution to the restoration of the monastery, and in the context of the 240th anniversary of its foundation and the 200th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George.
In turn, the Abbess Epistemia expressed gratitude to the Primate for his blessing, fatherly guidance and support throughout the years. She also offered thanks to God and to all those who, over time, have laboured and prayed in this monastery, making special mention of Saint Dionysius, the Heavenly Protector of the community. The Abbess also addressed words of appreciation to the sisterhood for their sacrificial work, and to all benefactors who support the life of the monastery with love.
All those present then participated in a festive meal prepared by the monastic community.
On the occasion of the 240th anniversary of its founding (1785) and the 200th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Church of the Holy Great Martyr George (1825), Suruceni Monastery, by the mercy of God and through the labour and sacrifice of its monastic community, with the support of benefactors, has become a holy place sought by souls thirsting for prayer, consolation, healing and salvation. Through the spiritual and material renewal of the last quarter of a century, under the protection and presence of Saint Dionysius and Saint George, and through the dedicated efforts of Abbess Epistemia and the sisterhood, the monastery has been reborn as an oasis of Orthodox spirituality – a place of deep faith, devotion, and revered pilgrimage.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations