On Friday, May 22, on the feast of 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, celebrated the Holy and Divine Liturgy on the patronal feast day of the church in Valea Perjei village, Taraclia District.
Concelebrating with His Eminence were Bishop Nicolae of Ceadîr-Lunga, Vicar of the Diocese of Cahul and Comrat; priest Ioan Covalciuc, rector of the parish; together with a gathering of priests and deacons invited to participate in the divine service.
The liturgical responses were offered by the choir of the Episcopal Cathedral in Comrat.
During the Little Entrance, the parish rector, priest Ioan Covalciuc, was awarded the Second Degree Order of Saint Hierarch Petro Mohyla.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession around the Holy Church took place with the reading of the four festal Gospel passages. Memorial prayers (Litia) were also offered for the priests who had served in this locality, as well as in remembrance of the first Moldovan and Bulgarian settlers who, 210 years ago, decided to live together in this village.
At the conclusion of the celebration, the Metropolitan addressed a congratulatory message to the parish rector and the residents of the village, wishing them many blessed years in peace and prosperity. The founders and benefactors of the church received ecclesiastical orders and certificates of appreciation in recognition of their work and contributions to the parish community.
On behalf of the local public authorities, the parish rector was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Valea Perjei Village, Taraclia District.
Synodal Department for Institutional Communication and Media Relations
