Holy fire ceremony draws thousands to metropolitan cathedral in Chisinau, Moldova

Chisinau, 12 April /MOLDPRES/ - Thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered on the eve of Easter at the Birth of God Metropolitan Cathedral in Chisinau to light their candles from the holy fire brought from Jerusalem for the thirteenth time.

The Moldovan delegation, led by Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova Vladimir, and accompanied by state officials arrived at the Cathedral, bringing the Holy Fire, around 21:00.

It was greeted by bishops, President Nicolae Timofti, Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu, other senior officials, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Margareta and Prince Radu of Romania, as well as thousands of believers.

Arriving at the Metropolitan Cathedral Square, the Primate addressed the nation announcing that the saviour took mercy of his flock this year as well, sending the wonderful sign of his love to Christians.

Later Metropolitan Vladimir conveyed sincere thanks to those who accompanied him on this pilgrimage, especially the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat, who financially ensured this event as well as all to people of good faith, due to which Moldovans believers can take the Holy Fire from Jerusalem to their homes.

Metropolitan Vladimir also transmitted the blessing of His Most Godly Beatitude, the Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem Theophilos III to the Moldovan Orthodox believers. "This fire is brought as a heavenly blessing to share in every church, monastery and home in Moldova," said the metropolitan.

The first one to light the candle from the Holy Fire was Metropolitan Vladimir, followed by President Nicolae Timofti, Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu and other state officials. Then, the Holy Light was sent to priests and parishioners. On the same evening the fire was passed to all churches and monasteries in the country trough bishops, priests and monks.

The candles used to take the Light from the priest should not be thrown away, but lit in front of the icon, in times of great hardship. They say that their light is closer to heaven than any other light.

The Easter Fire, also called Holy Fire, descended on Jesus Christ’s tomb at 14:16 in Jerusalem. The fire is considered one of the greatest wonders of the Christian Orthodox Church. It takes place every year in the same way and in the same place. The Holy Light appears only by the invocation of an orthodox archbishop.

(Reporter N. Roibu, Editor M. Jantovan)