His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir officiated the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Chișinău
On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, as well as the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord and the Commemoration of the Holy and Righteous Simeon and the Prophetess Anna, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir officiated the Holy and Divine Liturgy at the Nativity of the Lord Metropolitan Cathedral in Chișinău.
Praying alongside the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova were Protopriest Vadim Cheibaș, the Metropolitan Secretary and Eclesiarch of the Cathedral, together with a assembly of clergy.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Gospel passage from Luke 15:11-32 was read out, recounting the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
According to justice, the prodigal son should have been punished, but through the mercy and paternal love of his father, he was forgiven. This highlights that the value of the human person, the soul, is greater than the mistakes they may make during their life, even when they fall into sin. If a fallen soul chooses to rise from sin and seek God’s forgiveness, the Merciful Father restores, raises, and grants life to those who repent.
First and foremost, we see that the prodigal son’s repentance comes as a result of great hardship. This teaches us that, in general, we are most likely to repent when we go through difficulties.
Today’s Gospel prepares us for the Great and Holy Lent, calling us to reflect on what we have wasted in our lives—whether through sin, departing from God, or selfish passions. Instead of these, we should have gathered spiritual treasures through prayer and good deeds, riches of the soul that no one can take away from us.
Next Sunday, the Orthodox Church will observe the Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare Sunday), marking the transition towards Great Lent.
Source: Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations