On Sunday, October 22, 2023, on the day of commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and All Moldova celebrated the Holy Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Lord in Chisinau.
During the Divine Service, Archimandrite Filaret (Cuzmin) was ordained as Bishop of Capriana, vicar of the Diocese of Chisinau.
Upon his arrival in the Nativity Cathedral, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova worshipped before the holy icon of the Mother of God from Hârbovăț – the Patroness of Moldova.
In his service, His Eminence was assisted by: Archbishop Sava of Tiraspol and Dubasari, Archbishop Anatoly of Cahul and Comrat, Archbishop Petru of Ungheni and Nisporeni, Archbishop Marchel of Balti and Falesti, Archbishop Nicodim of Edinet and Briceni, Bishop Ambrozie of Bogorodsc, Vicar of the Patriarchal Exarchate for Western Europe, Bishop Ioan of Soroca, Metropolitan Vicar and Bishop Siluan of Orhei, Metropolitan Vicar, abbots of monasteries and deans of the Diocese of Chisinau.
The liturgical hymns were interpreted by two choirs: the mixed choir of the Metropolitan Cathedral directed by Mrs. A. Angeni and the men’s choir of Căpriana Monastery under the direction of Mr. V. Ceban.
Also on this day, His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir ordained to priesthood deacon Vladislav Stirbu, cleric of the First Deanery of Chisinau, and officiated diaconal ordination of Roman Cazanțev, for ministry in the Monastery of Chițcani.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova guided Bishop Filaret in his ministry and handed him the archpastoral rod. According to tradition, the newly ordained bishop offered the faithful his first pastoral blessing.
His Eminence then delivered a sermon and congratulated all the faithful on Sunday.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations