The hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova called the Christians in Balceana community to enrich within God, with God-pleasing acts, during the Liturgy celebrated on the Seventh Sunday after Pascha.
Thus, on Sunday 20 May, 2018, Metropolitan Vladimir, invited by Bishop Petru of Ungheni and Nisporeni, made an arch-pastoral visit to the Ascension of the Lord parish in Balceana village, Hincesti region. The hierarchs were greeted by parish rector, Archimandrite Siluan (Cheptene), priests and deacons from the church circumscription, Mr. Simion Plesca, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, original of Balceana community, as well as numerous church-goers present at the Divine Service.
The Liturgy was celebrated in open air, near the church under construction.
Praying together with the community members were Members of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Government officials, and representatives of the local public authorities.
The synaxis of clerics assisting the arch-pastors included archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Metropolitan Secretary, archpriest Vadim Corostinschi, Ungheni and Nisporeni Diocesan Secretary, archpriest Serghei Slanina, Hincesti District Den, and numerous other priests and deacons.
Liturgical responses at the Divine Services were provided by the Choir Gnosis, directed by Sergiu Crudu.
During the Divine Service, Metropolitan Vladimir officiated diaconal ordination of Iosif Popovici, graduate of Holy Hierarch Gavriil Banulescu-Bodoni Chisinau Theological Seminary.
In the archpastoral message, Metropolitan Vladimir thanked all persons contributing to the edification of the church in Balceana community, mentioning that charity is a God-pleasing activity that materializes spiritual virtues.
Bishop Petru thanked Metropolitan Vladimir for praying along with the parishioners of Balceana community, mentioning that shared archpastoral prayer reinforces the love and aspirations of the Christians from Ungheni and Nisporeni Diocese.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations