Graduates of the Academy of Orthodox Theology and the Orthodox Theological Seminary “St. Hierarch Gabriel” in Chisinau took the oath of faith to the Church on Monday, June 24, 2024. Traditionally, this event takes place on the feast of the Holy Spirit.
In the morning, the young theological graduates attended the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the students’ chapel of Holy Three Hierarchs on the premises of the institution by the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir.
Praying together with His Eminence were the Metropolitan Secretary, Protopriest Vadim Cheibas, Rev. Nectarie (Gherman), Pro-Rector for Studies of the Academy, Mr. Nicolae Ionichi, Pro-Rector for Institutional Management, Fr. Macarie (Crudu), dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, as well as a group of priests, deacons, teachers of the theological educational institution and lay Christians who came to pray.
At the proposal of the pro-rector, Fr. Nectarie, several teaching priests of the institution were decorated with clerical and ecclesiastical honors.
The Divine Liturgy was crowned by the ordination of subdeacon Stefan Costin, a graduate of Academy of Orthodox Theology class of 2018, to the dignity of deacon.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the graduates read the oath of faith, in the presence of His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, Rector of the Academy of Orthodox Theology of Moldova, the teaching priests, parents and guests.
Addressing the graduates, Metropolitan Vladimir thanked the young people for the diligence they have shown during their years of study, but also for the respect they have shown for the teachers who have striven to sow in their souls the seeds of Gospel wisdom and love for the holy. In this context, His Eminence expressed the hope that this graduating class will also carry forward the good name of the institution and become worthy servants of the Altar for the glory of God and the salvation of the faithful people.
The Metropolitan also addressed a word of congratulations to the faculty members, emphasizing the dedication, professionalism and high pedagogical standards of those who work for the education of new generations of theologians.
In his turn, the pro-rector of the Academy, Archimandrite Nectarie, thanked His Eminence for his fatherly care for the Academy and the Theological Seminary, noting that both teachers and students remain obedient to the Primate, ready to listen to his advice and guidance for the advancement of the faith.
Like in previous years, His Eminence offered medals and diplomas to the graduates who have distinguished themselves during their years of study, as a sign of the Arch-pastor’s gratitude for their diligent work for the good and the glory of the Holy Orthodox Church of Moldova.
The graduates also came with beautiful words of gratitude to His Eminence Vladimir for his constant care, while expressing their gratitude to their teachers for their patience and perseverance they have shown throughout the years of study.
In conclusion, His Eminence was acquainted with the repair works that are taking place in this institution as well as those that are expected to be accomplished with God’s help and blessing.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations