His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir Officiated the Consecration of the Holy Altar, the Divine Liturgy, and a Priestly Ordination at the Orthodox Theological Academy of Moldova
On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, on the feast day of the Three Holy Hierarchs – Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, the theological schools of Moldova, the Orthodox Theological Academy and the Orthodox Theological Seminary “St. Hierarch Gavriil”, celebrated their patronal feast with an archiepiscopal Liturgy.
On this blessed day of Christian celebration, the chapel dedicated to the Three Holy Hierarchs, located within the grounds of the Orthodox Theological Academy of Moldova (ATOM) in the capital, was replenished with faculty members, seminarians, students, and faithful who had prepared spiritually to mark this significant event.
The divine service commenced with the Consecration of the Holy Altar, performed by His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chișinău and All Moldova, followed by the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Archimandrite Nectarie (Gherman), Prorector of ATOM, Protopriest Alexandru Comendant, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, along with an assembly of priests and deacons, students and alumni of this theological institution, and a multitude of worshippers.
The responses during the Liturgy were chanted by the Choir of Horești Monastery.
The Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs is a celebration of spiritual unity and communion. These three great luminaries of the Church excelled in their holy life and profound theological teachings, surpassing many and shining forth as apostles after the Apostles.
The Divine Liturgy was crowned by the ordination of Dr. Nicolae Fuștei, a professor of theology and history, to the priesthood, for service at Horești Monastery.
In his sermon at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan emphasised that the Three Holy Hierarchs are commemorated together to highlight that none is greater than the other, reflecting the unity of their teachings and their equal importance in the Church. The decision taken at the First Congress of Theology Professors in Athens in 1936 established the Three Holy Hierarchs as the spiritual patrons of Orthodox theological institutions worldwide.
Furthermore, His Eminence addressed the faculty and students, offering his heartfelt congratulations and blessings, encouraging them to be true missionaries of Christ’s Church and to proclaim the saving truth of the Gospel with courage and confidence.
On this special occasion, Metropolitan Vladimir presented a reliquary containing the Holy Relics of the Three Holy Hierarchs – Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, which will henceforth be permanently housed in the chapel of the Academy.
In turn, Archimandrite Nectarie, Prorector of ATOM, expressed his gratitude to His Eminence for his archpastoral presence and liturgical service on this important day for theological education in Moldova. He assured the Metropolitan that both the professors and students remain devoted to the Church and to His Eminence, following his guidance for the advancement and testimony of the faith in today’s world.
After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Vladimir officiated the consecration of the recently renovated Administrative Block, following extensive restoration works.
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