On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, His Grace Siluan, Bishop of Orhei and Vicar of the Metropolis of Chișinău and All Moldova, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women Martha and Mary in the village of Hagimus. The archpastoral service was celebrated outdoors, near the church dedicated to the Holy and Right-Faithful Prince Stephen the Great.
Saint Stephen the Great is venerated by the faithful as a model of a righteous and devout ruler, remembered as “kind” for his merciful and forgiving heart; “great” for the steadfastness and wisdom with which he led the country; and “holy” for his sacrificial defence of the faith and his people. He founded numerous churches and monasteries, supported the Church of Christ, and fought with hope and prayer in his heart, knowing that without God nothing can be built or defended.
The Tomos of his canonisation describes him as a prince who wore “the armour of faith in God” and accomplished “many deeds of Christian love”, deeming him worthy of honour by all the faithful.
Following the Divine Liturgy and a thanksgiving Te Deum, His Grace Siluan addressed a spiritual exhortation to the faithful, encouraging them to follow the example of Saint Stephen the Great by upholding the Orthodox faith and love for their nation. He emphasised that only through sincere return to God can peace, mercy, and hope for salvation be built in our hearts.
The bishop also conveyed the blessing and message of encouragement from His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and loyal sons and daughters of the Orthodox Church.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Archimandrite Andrei (Cotruță), Spiritual Father of Hagimus Monastery, thanked the vicar bishop for his willingness to officiate the divine service on this important day for all the faithful.
The feast was crowned with a spiritual concert dedicated to the Holy Prince, glorifying God and honouring the one who lived with the conviction that “without God we can do nothing.”
Source: https://manastireacurchi.md