His Grace Nectarie of Bogdania, the newly appointed Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, was introduced to the faithful of the Basarabia Metropolis during a ceremony held Thursday at the “Three Holy Hierarchs” Church in Chișinău.
His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia presided over the Divine Liturgy, having as concelebrants his Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania, advisory priests from the Chișinău Diocesan Center, deans of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, and other invited clergy.
After the service, Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania delivered a speech expressing his hope that God would aid him in bearing the cross of episcopal ministry.
“Thirty years ago, I was called by God to monastic life at Putna Monastery, where for centuries the Holy Ruler Prince Stephen the Great has kept watch. By God’s mercy and providence, I have been called today to episcopal ministry on the blessed land of Basarabia, also under the guardianship of St. Stephen, to fulfil what our parents and forebears built through prayer and great sacrifice,” the hierarch said.
Episcopacy, a Cross of Light
“Episcopacy is not a worldly honour, but a cross. Yet this cross is not a burden, but one of light, for any cross borne with the Saviour, becomes a source of joy,” the assistant bishop continued.
“For this reason, I do not come to this ministry trusting in myself, but with hope in Christ, Who said: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’”
Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania also emphasized the unity of spirit among Romanians on both sides of the Prut River.
“I have come to be one of you, but I do not come alone—I bring with me the love of our brothers from the right bank of the Prut, who, though temporarily separated by borders, remain united with us in the same holy spirit of prayer,” the hierarch noted.
Gratitude to Earthly and Spiritual Parents
His Grace expressed gratitude to Patriarch Daniel and the hierarchs of the Holy Synod, particularly Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia, Archbishop Calinic of Suceava and Rădăuți, the late Archbishop Pimen, former leader of the same archdiocese, as well as all the spiritual fathers who shaped him and his spiritual children.
“I also cannot forget my parents who gave me life, raised me, and diligently taught me the word of God and how to be a good person,” Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania added.
“Let Us Increase Our Prayer”
His Grace urged the clergy and faithful to remember him in their prayers.
“I call upon you, reverend and very reverend fathers, to keep vigil with me, for the times we live in demand great wisdom, humility, and sacrifice. Let us place all our hope in Christ, for He is the One who strengthens us and grants us victory in all things,” the bishop said.
“Let us remain united in one spirit, prayer, service, and love, knowing that only together can we carry this holy cross forward!”
Message from Clergy and Faithful of the Archdiocese
Father Maxim Melinti, Cultural Advisor of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, delivered a brief welcome address on behalf of the archdiocese’s clergy and faithful.
“Your Grace Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania, the pastoral and missionary work you will share with His Eminence Metropolitan Petru gives us confidence that it will be fruitful, pleasing to God, and a source of joy for the clergy and the faithful people of the Republic of Moldova,” the diocesan advisor said.
“With open hearts, the advisors of the diocesan administration, deans, priests, and all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Chișinău offer you their love and obedience, hoping that today marks the beginning of a period of spiritual and administrative growth, as well as missionary and charitable progress for the Basarabia Metropolis.”
Archimandrite Nectarie Clinci was elected Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Chișinău on February 5 and ordained to the episcopacy at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest on February 16.
The position of Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău has been vacant since 2018 when His Grace Antonie was elected Bishop of Bălți.
Photo: Facebook / Mertropolis of Bessarabia
