On Friday, May 22, when the Orthodox Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (+345) from Myra in Lycia to Bari (1087), His Eminence Metropolitan Vladimir, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, celebrates the feast day of his heavenly patron and also marks the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. On this occasion, the staff of the Metropolitan Administration addressed a congratulatory message to His Eminence, which we reproduce below.
His Eminence,
To His Eminence Vladimir,
Metropolitan of Chișinău and All Moldova,
Primate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova
Your Eminence,
Your Eminence, Most Reverend Master,
On this blessed feast dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, we extend to Your Eminence our sincere and heartfelt congratulations, together with prayers and wishes for good health, peace, and spiritual strength in the episcopal ministry that you carry out with dignity.
This blessed celebration is made even more significant as it also marks 50 years since the beginning of Your Eminence’s ministry in the priesthood. Five decades of sacrificial service have become a living testimony to steadfast faith, love for the Church, and fatherly care for the clergy and the faithful.
With deep gratitude, we thank you for your example of humility, for your edifying words, and for your tireless labor dedicated to the service of Christ and His faithful people. Through wisdom, patience, and kindness, you have brought comfort to many souls and have remained a spiritual support to all those who know you and follow your guidance.
We pray that Saint Nicholas may continually protect and intercede for Your Eminence, granting you strength, enlightenment, and help in all works pleasing to God, and that the years of your ministry may be long and blessed, for the benefit of the Holy Church and its faithful.
From the depths of our hearts, we proclaim: Many blessed years, Master!, and we assure Your Eminence of our filial love and devotion as we continue to follow your fatherly guidance and the example of your life.
CHRIST IS ASCENDED!
With heartfelt thoughts and profound respect,
The Staff of the Metropolitan Administration