On April 21, 2024, the 5th Sunday of Lent, of Venerable Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and all Moldova, conducted the celebration of the Holy and Divine Liturgy in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Lord in Chisinau.
During the Service, the Most Reverend Archimandrite Patrocl (Porombac) was ordained bishop of Dondușeni, vicar of the Diocese of Edineț and Briceni.
Upon his arrival in the Nativity of the Lord Cathedral, the First Hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova worshipped before the holy icon of the Mother of God from Hârbovăț – the Patroness of Moldova.
His Eminence was joined by Archbishop Sava of Tiraspol and Dubasari, Archbishop Anatoly of Cahul and Comrat, Archbishop Petru of Ungheni and Nisporeni, Archbishop Marchel of Balti and Falesti, Archbishop Nicodim of Edinet and Briceni, the bishops-vicars: Bishop Ioan of Soroca, Bishop Siluan of Orhei, Bishop Filaret of Căpriana, Bishop Nicolae of Ceadîr-Lunga, Vicar of the Diocese of Cahul and Comrat, abbots of monasteries, district deans, and other clergy.
The liturgical hymns were intoned by the mixed choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral, conducted by Mrs. Angela Angheni.
At the end of the Holy Litrugy, the arch-pastor of the Orthodox Church of Moldova gave pastoral guidance to the newly ordained bishop Patrocl in his ministry and handed him the bishop’s staff . According to tradition, the ordained bishop gave the faithful the first arch-pastoral blessing.
His Eminence then addressed those present with a sermon, congratulating the clergy and faithful on the Sunday celebration.