Tuesday, 22nd October 2019, Metropolitan Vladimir celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of Holy Prophet Elias in Nicoreni, Drochia region, marking the 60th birthday of the monastery’s superior and confessor, archimandrite Rafail (Bodiu).
Before the Liturgy, Bisop Ioan of Soroca, Vicar of the Metropolis of Moldova, officiated the sanctification of the Holy Table in the right-side altar, consecrated to St. Seraphim of Sarov.
During the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Vladimir prayed together with Bishop Ioan, archimandrite Rafail, archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Metropolitan Secretary, archpriest Pavel Vuluta, Dean of Drochia church circumscription, the monastic and lay clergy present at the service.
During the Small Entrance, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded high metropolitan distinction, Order of St. Petru Movila, to archimandrite Rafail (Bodiu) in sign of high appreciation of prolific activity at the helm of the monastery and on the 60th anniversary of life.
Metropolitan Vladimir officiated the ordination of monk Shio (Boldescu) into the dignity of hierodeacon at the monastery of Nicoreni.
After the dismissal prayers of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Vladimir addressed a message of congratulation to father Rafail and the monastic community, thanking the concelebrating clergy for prayers.
Thanks-giving service was officiated upon the Divine Liturgy.
Archimandrite Rafail thanked to Metropolitan Vladimir, Bishop Ioan, and all concelebrating priests and deacons, as well as to the monastic community members, for prayers and brotherly love.
At the end of the celebration, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded a number of church distinctions to ctitors of the monastery, in sign of recognition of their merits for the edification and support of the settlement.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations