Thousands of believers in Moldova take Holy Fire brought from Jerusalem for fifteenth time
13:10 | 16.04.2017 Category: Social
Chisinau, 16 April /MOLDPRES/ – Thousands of believers gathered on the eve of Holy Easter celebrations at the Metropolitan Cathedral „Nasterea Domnului” (Nativity) in Chisinau to take the holy fire for the fifteenth time from Jerusalem.
The delegation of the Moldovan Orthodox Church, headed by Metropolitan Vladimir, who went to Jerusalem to take the Holy Light, was greeted with great joy by bishops, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, former President Vladimir Voronin, deputies, ministers, as well as many priests and believers from all over Moldova.
Arriving in the square Metropolitan Cathedral, the Metropolitan addressed the people, announcing to everyone that "this year the Savior put mercy upon His flock, sending from heaven great sign of His love for true Christians".
Afterwards, Archbishop Vladimir sincerely thanked those who accompanied him in this pilgrimage, and all people of good will, thanks to which the believers in Moldova could get to their homes the Holy Fire of the Resurrection church from Jerusalem. Then there were divided torches to all servants who brought life-giving light in the churches of Moldova.
His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir sent the most blessed message of Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the Orthodox believers in Moldova. "This fire is brought as a heavenly blessing to split it in every church, monastery and home in Moldova", said Bishop.
The candles, with which is taken light from the priest on the night of the Resurrection, are not thrown away, but are lit before the icon, in the event of major annoyance, in trouble or when a man is in great difficulty. They say that their light is closer to Heaven than any other light.
The Holy Fire is considered one of the greatest wonders of the Christian Orthodox Church. It takes place every year in the same way and the same place. Holy Light appears only at invocation of the Orthodox Patriarch.
After Savior Christ was buried, a bright light broke stone and since then, the divine fire has lit on the tomb of Christ each time during the Vespers of Great Saturday.
(Reporter N. Roibu, L. Editor Alcaza)
