Theodora Moisescu is a deacon’s wife, a mother and a German language teacher. Born in Germany to a Romanian-German family, she came to Romania at 18 to pursue her studies and chose to remain in Timișoara.
She graduated from the Faculty of Sociology and Psychology at the West University of Timișoara, specialising in Primary and Preschool Education, and today combines family life with professional activity and service within the Church community.
Alexandra Nadane: What does it mean to you that your husband is a deacon and that you are a mother?
Theodora Moisescu: Like any young woman, I dreamed of having my own family. I did not know exactly what it would look like, but I knew that God had to be the common centre of the relationship for it to truly function.
The good Lord, knowing my weaknesses and struggles, sent me my husband — a wonderful gift, fulfilling even things I did not know I could desire.
At the same time, I was also given this role as a deacon’s wife, which I understand as a calling to draw closer to the Church, to undertake a serious inner spiritual work and to have the opportunity to serve God. By supporting my husband, we try, according to our strength, to contribute to the welfare of the community.
With God’s help, we have been blessed with two wonderful children, and our third is on the way. This new role has, of course, been a challenge, but above all, a blessing.
Through motherhood, we are given the chance to surpass ourselves, to see ourselves as we truly are, with all our imperfections, and to try, with God’s help, to transform them into something good.
Every child brings immense joy and, at the same time, lessons to be learned. Each child is a gift from God to his or her parents. Every life is a universe in itself, from which we can continually learn about ourselves, the world and God.
A.N.: What are the joys and challenges of these roles, especially in relation to society and professional life?
T.M.: In my case, with God’s help, I have not felt major social or professional difficulties. I believe much depends on the perspective from which we view things, in order to remain as peaceful as possible in the face of what comes from outside.
For me, comparison — in the good sense — is a way of restoring balance. When something feels unfair, I think of other situations far more difficult: women facing profound crises or real trauma.
In this way, even when I encounter specific difficulties and feel saddened, I try to remember that God has been good to me and has offered me more opportunities than hardships.
The greatest joy is that I can remain so close to the Church and help from a different perspective.
A.N.: Which role models inspire you?
T.M.: The Church is truly rich in role models. The holy mothers of the Three Holy Hierarchs — Anthusa, Nonna and especially Emmelia — seem to me especially powerful and diverse examples of life.
The situations they experienced were very different: from infertility and the longing for children, to the life of a priest’s wife, widowhood, family difficulties or the loss of one or more children.
For nearly every life situation, emotional struggle or concern, there are saints from whom we can learn and whose help we can seek. And for every mother, the supreme model remains the Virgin Mary, who always waits for us to ask for her support.
A.N.: How are Holy Week and Pascha experienced within a clergy family?
T.M.: These days carry a special weight and bring a time of reflection. I cannot say too much because I am still at the beginning of the journey and feel I still have much work to do within myself in order to live these days with the right disposition and a deep awareness of Christ’s love, Who suffered so much for us.
But I can say that I am grateful to God for everything He has given me — for the place where I am and for being an Orthodox Christian. I rejoice, as much as I am able to understand, in His love and light.
A.N.: What thoughts would you share with young priests’ wives at the beginning of their journey?
T.M.: I would tell them to rejoice in the gift they have received. It is a great gift, even if it comes with trials. If we see these trials as opportunities for growth, we can pass through them and even mature spiritually.
The relationship between husband and wife is essential. Nothing external should disturb the family’s inner peace. If there is peace at home, the relationship functions well, the children grow more easily and in a climate of love, and the husband has the strength to face his responsibilities outside the home.
Like every valuable thing, this life requires sacrifice. But when lived authentically, life together—as a wife of a deacon or priest—can become, over time, a form of heaven on earth.
Photo: Personal Archive
