His Eminence Metropolitan Teofan celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Iași, where he spoke about the Iași Byzantine Music Festival as a sign of gratitude for the legacy bestowed upon Moldavia through the labors of Saint Constantine the Great.
“A few venues in the city, in Botoșani, and in Piatra Neamț have hosted, over these past days, what we have called for several years now the Festival of Byzantine Music and Civilization—made possible with the help of the Lord above and through His finding of people below, among us, who support this endeavor,” the hierarch said.
Metropolitan Teofan explained that the event is conceived as a gesture of gratitude for all that the Eastern Roman Empire—the new Rome, the city of the Great Constantine—has offered over time to the people of Moldavia, the country, and the world at large.
Spiritual Value
In his homily, the Metropolitan of Moldavia emphasized the importance of the light of Christ in the lives of the faithful, as well as the value of cultural and spiritual expressions that yield good fruit in society.
The festival brought together artists, theologians, and lovers of sacred music, offering recitals, moments of prayer, and conferences dedicated to Byzantine art and civilization.
As a token of appreciation for the organization of the festival, the Metropolitan bestowed honorary distinctions upon several members of the organizing team, including Archimandrite Hrisostom Rădășanu, Fr. Ionuț-Gabriel Nastasă, and Fr. Bogdan Țifrea.
Honors
As a sign of recognition for the successful organization of the 8th edition of the Iași Byzantine Music Festival, the Metropolitan of Moldavia awarded several distinctions:
- The “Saint Joseph the Merciful” Cross was awarded to Archimandrite Hrisostom Rădășanu, president of the festival.
- The “Saint Dositheus” Cross was awarded to Fr. Ionuț-Gabriel Nastasă, artistic director, and Fr. Bogdan Țifrea, media coordinator.
- Andreea Ogăraru, executive director, and Larisa Alui-Gheorghe, secretary, received the “Saint Dositheus” Cross for laypersons.
Photo: Doxologia
