Parishioners of the church of St. Mary Magdalene in Tataresti, Straseni, experienced moments of utmost gladness and spiritual elevation on the Feast of Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, Monday 21 May 2018, greeting the Arch-Pastor of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, Metropolitan Vladimir, who arrived at their invitation to consecrate their church after massive renovation works.
Thus, early in the morning, a synaxis of priests and deacons joined the parish rector, archpriest Ioan Balatel, to welcome the metropolitan. The Holy Table of the renovated church was consecrated, after which Metropolitan Vladimir was assisted with prayers during the Divine Liturgy.
During the Small Entrance, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded a high church distinction to archpriest Ioan Balatel – the right to wear Mitra, in sign of the archpastor’s high appreciation of assiduous work and efforts for the consolidation and prosperity of the parish furing two decades of pastoral mission. A series of church distinctions were awarded to other clergy.
Deacon Ioan Jerep was ordained priest and assigned to mission in the parish of Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Leuseni, Telenesti.
After the Liturgy, the priests and deacons and the entire community followed Metropolitan Vladimir in a praying procession around the church, giving thanks to the Lord for His utmost care and blessings.
Metropolitan Vladimir congratulated the community, along with their parish rector, Fr. Ioan, wishing them long live and strength in God-pleasing activity.
Father Ioan thanked the arch-pastor for joining their parish in prayer and sharing the joy of the holiday.
In the end, the metropolitan distributed prayer books and icons to the parishioners, in the memory of this beautiful reunion.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Relations with Mass-Media