O Jesus, Who in the highest dost sit with Thine unoriginate Father and the divine Spirit upon a fiery throne, Thou wast well-pleased to be born on earth of Thy Mother, a Maiden who knew not man; wherefore, thou wast circumcised as a babe eight days of age. Glory to Thine all-good counsel! Glory to Thy dispensation! Glory to Thy condescension, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind!
(Troparion for the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord, Tone 1)
14 January 2025 – Today marks a triple celebration for the faithful Orthodox Christians: the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord, the commemoration of St Basil the Great, and the beginning of the New Year according to the old (Julian) calendar. On this occasion, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, officiated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, Martha and Mary, in Hagimus, Căușeni District.
Joining His Eminence in prayer during the Divine Liturgy were Protopriest Vadim Cheibaș, Secretary to the Metropolitan; Very Reverend Archimandrite Andrei (Cotruță), spiritual father of the monastery; a host of priests and deacons; Reverend Abbess Martha, the monastery’s superior; the monastic community; students of the monastery’s school; and the faithful gathered for the service.
The liturgical responses were offered by the monastery’s choir of nuns.
Addressing the congregation, Metropolitan Vladimir spoke about the significance of each of the three events commemorated on this day and the manner in which a good Christian should honour this important occasion. His Eminence also extended his congratulations to all those bearing the name Basil, encouraging them to reflect on the life of this great luminary and to seek his intercession before the Righteous Judge.
Furthermore, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova wished everyone a prosperous New Year, rich especially in spiritual fruits and beautiful achievements, all to the glory and praise of God. Following the service, the clergy carried out the traditional blessing of the faithful with wheat grains as a sign of prosperity and divine grace.
The celebration continued with an agape meal, after which the “Ascensio” choir of the Arts Lyceum associated with the Holy Monastery performed a winter traditions concert featuring carols, traditional greetings, and blessings.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations