His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and all Moldova officiated the Divine Liturgy in the village of Micleuseni, Straseni region, on the Feast of Holy Apostle Andrew.
As thou art the first-called of the apostles/ and the brother of the pre-eminent one,/ entreat thou the Master of all, O Andrew,/ that He grant peace to the world// and great mercy to our souls. (Troparion Tone 4).
Praying together with the metropolitan were Archimandrite Filaret (Cuzmin), Monastic Superior of Capriana Monastery and Dean of Straseni District, Archpriest Ioan Aga, parish rector, and numerous priests and deacons.
A big number of church-goers participated in the liturgy, glorifying Holy Apostle Andrew, who brought Christianity to our ancestors.
Prior to the Liturgy, Metropolitan Vladimir officiated the sanctification service of the renovated church painting.
During the Small Entrance of the Liturgy, the arch-pastor awarded church distinctions to a number of clergymen: Archpriest Ioan Aga received the Order of Holy Hierarch Gavriil Banulescu-Bodoni, in sign of appreciation of fruitful activity to the prosperity and glory of the Orthodox Church of Moldova; clerics of the parish, priest Ioan Nistor and priest Pavlin Aga, were granted the right of wearing gold pectoral cross and kamelaukion.
During the commemoration Litany, prayers were uttered for the repose of ever-commemorated handmaid of Lord Vera, mother of Metropolitan Vladimir, marking the 13th anniversary of the repose.
After the Liturgy, the praying community participated in the consecration of the monument “Road to Golgotha” and thanks-giving service, thanking God for all mercy and help cast upon the parish and its members.
Metropolitan Vladimir congratulated the parish rector, clergy, and parishioners, wishing them long and blessed life in peace and love for the neighbour, under the protection of the heavenly powers.
In his turn, Fr. Ioan thanked the arch-pastor and the parish members for prayers and support.
Finally, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded medals and diplomas to church sponsors and tutors, appreciating their support of the parish.
A commemoration litany was officiated at the tombs of priest Vasile Sili and his wife Lidia.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations