On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the Diocese of Soroca and Drochia of the Orthodox Church of Moldova was inaugurated in Soroca.
The solemnity was held in the church of St. Great Martyr Demetrius and was led by His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and all Moldova, with the participation of the district deans, abbots and abbesses of monasteries and hermitages, priests of the diocese and faithful from different areas of the country.
Also present at the event were: Mrs. Alla Pilipețcaia, deputy in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Veaceslav Rusnac, president of Soroca district, Mr. Vasile Cemortan, president of Drochia district, Mr. Vladimir Mizdrenco, president of Riscani district, Mrs. Nina Cereteu, mayor of Drochia, Mr. Iurie Gangan, mayor of Floresti, Mrs. Ana Ojog, deputy mayor of Soroca, district and municipal councillors.
After the thanks-giving Te-Deum service, Protopriest Vadim Cheibais, Secretary of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, read the synodal decree on the establishment of Diocese of Soroca and Drochia and the appointment of the diocesan hierarch.
Then, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, addressed a message to the clergy, authorities and people.
This was followed by speeches by the presidents of Soroca and Drochia districts, and the clergy of the diocese was addressed by Nicolae Craveț, the dean of Soroca.
At the end of the meeting, the newly-established diocesan hierarch, His Grace Ioan, came up with a message of gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, asking for his blessing and paternal support in his new arch-pastoral mission, and thanking the ministers, authorities and Christian believers for their support and prayers.
The Eparchial Assembly elected the nominal composition of the Eparchial Council as follows:
President: Bishop Ioan of Soroca and Drochia,
Members:
Prot. Pavel Vuluță;
Prot. Ioan Zîmbreanu;
Prot. Teodor Domnița;
Arhim. Vlasie (Ușurelu);
Prot. Vasile Țăruș;
Prot. Alexandru Ilescu;
Prot. Vadim Ciursin;
Prot. Vitalie Bibica;
Egum. Parascheva (Gușan);
Secretary of the Council: Prot. Nicolae Craveț.
Out of the 172 priests of the Diocese of Soroca and Drochia, 154 were ordained by His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir.
Source: https://ioanmosnegutu.info/