His Eminence Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia honoured members of the Orthodox Women’s Society of the Diocese of Bălți for their involvement in the life of the Church.
A ceremony took place on Monday during a meeting held at the Anastasis Educational Centre in Bălți. The event highlighted the organisation’s work over almost eight years in areas including education, culture, mission, and support for people in need.
The Metropolitan of Bessarabia thanked the volunteers for the consistency with which they have supported diocesan projects and for their contribution to activities serving local communities.
“Over these years, you have been the driving force behind many of the cultural, educational and missionary initiatives of the Diocese of Bălți. Through your dedication, creativity and love for the Church, you have succeeded in bringing people together, building communities and turning ambitious projects into remarkable achievements,” His Eminence said.
Metropolitan Antonie encouraged them to continue this work “with the same unity and sense of responsibility, for the benefit of the Church and the faithful of northern Bessarabia”.
Awards recognising their work
As a sign of appreciation, several members of the Society received the “Cross of Bălți” Order for Laypeople of the Diocese of Bălți.
The organisation’s president, Liliana Lungu, was awarded the “Saint Parascheva” Order of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in recognition of her coordinating work and dedication to the Society.
“We thank Your Eminence for the blessing with which you have accompanied every new beginning, for your spiritual support, for the trust you have placed in us, and for encouraging us to become involved in the mission of the Diocese of Bălți. You have given us the opportunity to place our gifts at the service of the Church and have taught us to work together with patience and responsibility,” Liliana Lungu said.
The organisation’s president highlighted the support its members have received over the years and said that the Society would continue the projects begun with the blessing of His Eminence.
Culture, education, and support for those in need
The Orthodox Women’s Society of the Diocese of Bălți was established on 18 December 2018 with the blessing of Metropolitan Antonie, who was Bishop of Bălți at the time, and was officially registered in January 2019.
Projects undertaken by its members include the “Christ Is Born, Glorify Him!” Carol Festival, the “Saint Theodora of Sihla” Choir, events dedicated to the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, as well as activities for children, teenagers, and families. The organisation has also developed partnerships with similar associations in Romania.
Its social and charitable work includes the “To Love Means to Give” campaign, through which volunteers have provided assistance to elderly people, children, people with disabilities and families facing difficult circumstances.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarbia
