Traditionally, on the day after the Nativity of the Lord – The Synaxis of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos, all hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Moldova united in the Divine Liturgy in the central cathedral of Chisinau.
Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and all Moldova conducted the celebration of the Divine Service. Arch-bishop Sava of Tiraspol and Dubasari, Archbishop Anatolie of Cahul and Comrat, Archbishop Petru of Ungheni and Nisporeni, Archbishop Marchel of Balti and Falesti, Archbishop Nicodim of Edinet and Briceni, Bishop Ioan of Soroca – Metropolitan Vicar, and Bishop Siluan of Orhei – Metropolitan Vicar, concelebrated to the metropolitan during the Liturgy. The arch-pastors were assisted at the service by Archpriest Vadim Cheibas, Cathedral Dean and Metropolitan Secretary, Archimandrite Filaret (Cuzmin), Monk Superior of Capriana Monastery, Archimandrite Ioan (Danilescu), administrative superior of the Diocese of Tiraspol and Dubasari, and numerous other priests and deacons.
In the tradition of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, the day after the Nativity of Christ commemorates the Synaxis of Ever-Virgin Mary. The term “synaxis” denotes a union and refers to all persons related to the Nativity of Christ, including Blessed and Righteous Joseph, King, Prophet, and Psalmist David, and Righteous James, brother of the Lord. All those who eagerly and hopefully expected the coming of the Messiah, are glorified during the feast of the Synaxis of the Theotokos – Mother of God. This holiday is one of five Great Feasts dedicated to Most Holy and Ever-Virgin Mary.
On behalf of the hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, Archbishop Savva of Tiraspol and Dubasari addressed a message of congratulation to His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and Moldova.
Archpriest Vadim Cheibas, the Cathedral Dean and Metropolitan Secretary, congratulated Metropolitan Vladimir and all arch-pastors, on behalf of the Cathedral clergy and parishioners.
The third day after Christmas (Nativity of the Lord) is dedicated to the commemoration of the First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen.
Synodal Sector of Institutional Communication and Mass-Media Relations