On Saturday, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia honored the memory of the heroes and martyrs of the Dniester War at the Heroes’ Fountain near the village of Varnița, Anenii Noi district. The event marked 33 years since the conflict.
Representatives from the police and the National Army, cultural figures, educators, students, and families of those who sacrificed their lives for the defense and integrity of Moldova attended the commemoration.
“We have gathered here at the fountain in Varnița to honor the memory of those who, in 1992, gave their lives so that we may live in peace and freedom. They sacrificed their lives for the integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and through their sacrifice, God has allowed us to live in freedom today, despite the turmoil caused by the unjust war we witness at our country’s borders,” said Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia.
“Their sacrifice calls us to fight for peace, to be peacemakers, and to heed the Lord’s words: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God! Through our actions and the values we share, we are called to bring peace first to our families, then to our communities, and to contribute in every way to preserving social harmony.”
A Tribute Through Words and Art
Several guests delivered speeches during the event, while students from Romanian-language high schools in Transnistria performed cultural and artistic tributes in memory of the fallen heroes.
Similar commemorations were also held by other deaneries and parishes within the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia.
The Dniester War: A Brief Overview
The war for Moldova’s territorial integrity and independence began on March 2, 1992, and lasted until July 21, when a ceasefire agreement was signed between Moldova and the Russian Federation. Over the five months of conflict, more than 1,000 soldiers and civilians lost their lives.
Photo: Diocese of Southern Bessarabia
