Church in autonomy of Moldova cancels all religious service charges

Chisinau, 04 January /MOLDPRES/ – The church Sfantul Mihail (St. Michael) in Avdarma, Gagauzia, has introduced several changes in activity today. These ones include in particular cancellation of taxes for religious ceremonies and changes in the working regime, referring to local sources.

According to the priest of church in Avdarma, priest Constantin, there will be canceled all taxes for religious ceremonies – baptising, wedding, parastas etc. since 04 January.

"Also, candles and services for memorial and health will be free, and there will be nothing to sell in the church. All objects of worship and spiritual literature can be purchased in a church shop and nothing will disturb the believers from prayer. The church will be open for parishioners all day, without interruptions and rest days, with a regime from 08:00 to 20:00," said the priest, quoted by avdarma.md.

Prodiar Constantin said that the church in Avdarma proposed to implement a new concept, the generic "Church, accessible to all." It provides for the replacement of the tariff system by voluntary contributions by parishioners.

"The project is scheduled for three years, after which we will see if it is worth continuing. This concept implies profound changes in the work of church, which we want to be closer to people. We will cancel any charge, and every man will be able to support the church as far as possible, absolutely anonymous. For this we will have installed a special box," said the priest.  

The Dean of church Sfantul Mihail in Avdarma hopes that "such changes will offer more opportunities to parishioners and allow for promotion of faith throughout greater accessibility to the church."

Village Avdarma is part of Comrat municipality and has a population of about four thousand inhabitants. The locality has a developed infrastructure, being provided with water and sewerage networks, telephony. There are business, sports and healthcare centres, a cultural house, painting schools, music, choreography, a space for outdoor concerts, etc in the village. Avdarma residents have a local newspaper, a radio station and an up – to – date website with video reports and performances.