26 January 2020, Sunday after the Theophany, His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and all Moldova, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the parish of St. John the Baptizer in Peresecina, Orhei.
The metropolitan was assisted at the service by archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Metropolitan Secretary, archimandrite Filaret (Cuzmin), Monk Superior of the Monastery of Capriana, archpriest Vasile Garbuz, parish rector, and numerous clergy of Orhei Vicariate.
Over 400 church-goers participated in the spiritual feast, among whom numerous children and adolescents wearing folk costumes.
During the Small Entrance, in sign of arch-pastoral appreciation, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded to the parish rector, Fr. Vasile Garbuz, the 1st Category Order of Church Merit.
This was a very special day for Master of Art Theology student Alexandru Plamadeala, who was ordained deacon.
After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Vladimir officiated the sanctification of a Crucifix newly installed in the churchyard.
Closing the spiritual celebration, the arch-pastor awarded church distinctions to numerous ctitors and sponsors of the parish. It should be mentioned that the parish church was not closed during the period of soviet persecutions, which speaks about the endurance of the local population and its spiritual tradition.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations