Stefan cel Mare commemorated in Moldova

Chisinau, 2 JUly /MOLDPRES/- Today we mark 517 years since the passing into eternity of ruler Stefan cel Mare. On this occasion, several events are organized throughout the country in memory of the great voivode, who ruled for 47 years, the longest reign in the medieval era in the Romanian Lands.

According to historians, Stefan cel Mare is considered a prominent figure in Romanian history, endowed with great qualities as a statesman, diplomat and military leader. These qualities allowed him to overcome well the moments of major crisis, generated either by the military interventions of the neighboring states, or by attempts, from inside or supported from outside the country, to remove him from the reign. During his reign, Moldova reached the peak of its state development, experiencing a long period of internal stability, economic prosperity and social peace.

Internally, he based his regime on a new ruling class of people mostly from the lower nobility, elevated to dignity on the basis of military merit, loyalty to the lord or close kinship with him.

Externally, it has managed to pursue a realistic policy with two main guidelines: imposing or supporting favorable leaders in small neighboring countries - Wallachia and the Crimean Khanate - and an alliance policy that does not allow any of the large neighboring countries - The Ottoman Empire, the Kingdom of Poland and the Kingdom of Hungary to obtain a hegemonic position vis-à-vis Moldova. He tried unsuccessfully to build a system of international alliances against the Turks, sending messengers to the Pope in Rome, Venice, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Persia.

During his reign he fought over 40 wars or battles, the vast majority of them victorious, the most significant being the victory at Baia over Matei Corvin in 1467, the victory at Lipnic against the Tartars.

The greatest military success was the crushing victory of the Battle of Vaslui against a powerful Ottoman army led by Soliman-Pasha - on January 10, 1475.

Stephen III, called Stephen the Great, was ruler of Moldova for 47 years, from 1457 to 1504. He fought 36 wars, of which he lost only two and built 44 monasteries and churches. both in Moldova and in Wallachia, Transylvania or Mount Athos. For the latter merits he was canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, with the name of Stephen the Great and Saint, in June 1992.

He died on July 2, 1504, and was buried at Putna Monastery.