On Wednesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the “St. John the Theologian” Metropolitan Chapel in Chișinău on the occasion of the chapel’s patronal feast.
According to the unrevised calendar, the feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John is celebrated on October 9.
The sermon was delivered by Father Maxim Melinti, the cultural advisor of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, who urged the congregation to demonstrate Christian love through acts of charity and by bearing witness to the truth:
“Let us love not only in word but in deed and truth, as the Holy Apostle John urges us, and remain steadfast in the love of Christ, who always calls us to repentance and eternal life.”
Father Melinti highlighted several aspects of St. John the Theologian’s life, including that, before His crucifixion, Jesus Christ entrusted His Mother to this disciple’s care.
“On the one hand, we have St. John the Theologian as an intercessor and prayerful advocate, and on the other, we understand from this that every Christian has the sacred duty to welcome the Mother of God into their home,” emphasized Father Maxim Melinti.
At the end of the service, Metropolitan Petru thanked those who support the activities of the “St. John the Theologian” Metropolitan Chapel and those who participated in the feast day celebration.
A group of pilgrims from Romania also joined the faithful of Chișinău at the service.
The Metropolitan Chapel in Chișinău is currently undergoing a painting project supported by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova.
Additionally, the Metropolis of Bessarabia is trying to complete the construction and painting of the “St. Peter and Paul” Church, which will serve as the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia