6 February 2022, on the 33rd Sunday after Pentecost (of Publican Zacchaeus), Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and all Moldova celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the central Cathedral.
The first hierarch of the Moldovan Church was assisted at the Divine Service by archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Cathedral Dean and Metropolitan Secretary, and the priests and deacons of the Cathedral.
Liturgical responses were provided by the Cathedral choir directed by Angela Angeni.
The Sunday Gospel Reading (Luke 19: 1-10) presents story of repentance of Publican Zacchaeus, and his cardinal change of own life after meeting Lord Jesus Christ in Jericho. Indeed, true meeting with God is life-changing and determines one to abandon sinful habits in the result of repentance.
Archpriest Vadim Cheibas, with the blessing of Metropolitan Vladimir, came up with a message of pastoral guidance after the Liturgy, underlining that previously covetous and greedy, publican Zacchaeus becomes merciful and generous, because he is overcome by unspoken mercy of the Lord.
“This is an invitation for all of us: every time we meet Lord the Saviour, every time Christ wants to come into the home of our soul, we must cast away all darkness of sin, and greet the Lord immediately, following Zacchaeus’ example”.
The next Sunday brings us to the period of Triodion – church service book used during Great Lent preceding Holy Easter.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations.