His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, read on Wednesday evening the third part of the Canon of Repentance of St. Andrew of Crete at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Lord in Chișinău.
This canon, chanted during the first four days of Great Lent, is a prayer of profound repentance through which Christians are called to acknowledge their sins and to return sincerely to God. Through its moving verses, St. Andrew of Crete sets before the soul examples from Holy Scripture, urging humility, tears of compunction, and a sincere desire for amendment of life.
Participation in this special service represents a moment of introspection and spiritual closeness to God, helping the faithful to begin Great Lent with a pure heart and hope in divine mercy. Fasting is not merely abstinence from certain foods, but also a spiritual exercise by which a person purifies both soul and body, strengthens the will, and enriches spiritual life through prayer and good deeds. Thus, the Canon of Repentance and the Lenten season become an opportunity for inner renewal and preparation for the great Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord.
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations
