The feast of Saint Dionysius of Colciu was celebrated for the first time since his canonisation on Sunday in the Metropolis of Bessarabia.
On this occasion, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia at the Annunciation Parish, the metropolitan metochion in the locality of Sculeni, Republic of Moldova.
A fragment of the saint’s relics, received from Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, was placed in the church for veneration.
Referring to the Gospel reading of the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Metropolitan Petru underlined the relevance of its message in a world marked by superficiality and fleeting pursuits: “Every soul carries within itself a deeper thirst: the thirst for truth, love and salvation.”
“Christ continues even today to stand at the well of our hearts and say to us: ‘Give Me a drink,’ calling us to prayer, repentance and a life in communion with Him.”
A Romanian saint of modern times
Fr Gabriel-Andrei Gherasă, diocesan vicar, spoke about the spiritual personality of Saint Dionysius of Colciu: “Holiness bears fruit even in our own times.”
“Born in a simple Romanian village, he became one of the great spiritual guides of Mount Athos, and today he becomes an intercessor and protector for this border community,” the diocesan vicar said.
Through the example of his life, Saint Dionysius calls “everyone to humility, patience and love for God”.
Saint Dionysius of Vatopedi was canonised during the session of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate held on 30–31 August 2025. His feast day was established on 11 May.
Photo: Facebook / Metropolis of Bessarabia
