Sunday, 15th September 2019, on the commemoration day of Venerable Anthony and Theodosy of Kiev Caves Monastery, parishioners of the church of St. Joachim and Anna in Singera, Chisinau, experienced utmost spiritual gladness, sharing their prayers with His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, who sanctified their parish church and celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
The divine service that gathered a big synaxis of priests and deacons who prayed among numerous church-goers, culminated the edification and renovation efforts of the parish rector, Archpriest Cristofor Tverdostup and the ctitors of the church.
Thus, early morning, father Cristofor with his family and big numbers of parishioners, greeted Metropolitan Vladimir at the entrance into the church courtyard.
His Eminence Vladimir consecrated the Holy Table in the church altar, and then conducted the prayers of the Divine Liturgy.
The hierarch was assisted at the Liturgy by the parish rector, archpriest Cristofor Tverdostup, Metropolitan Secretary, archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Chisinau sector 2 District Dean, archpriest Pavel Borsevschi, and numerous other clergymen.
Liturgical responses were provided by the men’s choir Gnosis directed by theologian Serghei Crudu.
During the Small Entrance of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded three church distinctions to fr. Cristofor, in sing of high appreciation of pastoral and administrative diligence: Cross with jewels, dignity of Archpriest, and Mitra.
After the Holy Eucharist, the liturgical community followed Metropolitan Vladimir in a prayer and Gospel-reading procession around the church building.
Father Cristofor thanked the hierarch for archpastoral guidance, support, and care, and expressed cordial gratefulness to all parish members and ctitors who participated in the community church renovation and maintenance.
Metropolitan Vladimir then distributed lots of small gifts with sweets and juices to the children present in the church, and the parishioners offered agape dinner.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations