Moldovan ruler Stephen the Great commemorated at 513 years after passing into eternity

Chisinau, 02 July /MOLDPRES/ – Hundreds of people laid flowers in the morning at the monument of Ruler Stephen the Great and Holy in the centre of Chisinau today, on the occasion of the 513th anniversary of the great king passing into eternity. The event was attended by Moldovan President Igor Dodon, representatives of the central and local public administration, MPs and members of the Socialist Party, Liberal Party, culture people and other people.

Interviewed by journalists, President Igor Dodon said that in 2017 there passed 560 years from ascension to the throne of Stephen the Great and 25 years from his canonization. The head of state also said that he signed a decree on 02 July 2017, by which 2018 will be declared the Year of Stephen the Great and the Saint.

The leader of the Liberal Party, Mihai Ghimpu, said that Stephen the Great was one of the best rulers, lovers of country and nation, as good as so cruel – loving people and cruel with enemies and traitors. However, he managed to have the people on his side and to keep up with those who wanted the worship of Moldova to the enemies.

Stephen the Great was the ruler of Moldova for 47 years, from 1457 to 1504. He kept 36 wars, of which only two lost and built 44 monasteries and churches both in Moldova, as well as in Valahia, Transylvania or Mount Athos. For these merits, he was canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, named Stephen the Great and Saint, on 20 June 1992. He died on 02 July 1504, being buried at Putna Monastery.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor M. Jantovan)