“A person who believes in Christ the Risen One no longer lives for himself, but for God and for his neighbour. He lives out his vocation as a witness to the light, a bearer of peace and a servant of truth,” Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia said in his pastoral letter for Holy Pascha.
His Eminence underlined that the Resurrection of the Lord is the foundation of Christian faith and unity. “Each year, it reminds us that every community, every parish, every monastic settlement and every soul is a precious member of the Mystical Body of Christ, which grants us new life and equips us with the strength to live it, helping us to attain the life to come,” he said, citing Saint Nicholas Cabasilas.
Thus, the Resurrection “flows into the concrete life of the faithful, shaping the family, the community and society as a whole,” the metropolitan added.
Fundamental role of the Christian family
The hierarch also noted that this year has been dedicated by the Romanian Patriarchate to the pastoral care of the family and the commemoration of holy women, highlighting the essential role of the Christian family.
He listed the challenges affecting families in Bessarabia, including separation caused by labour migration, the need for moral formation among young people and the need for deeper communion.
“The Church has the vital role of offering spiritual support and consolation, communion and solidarity, so that every believer, regardless of age, may find understanding, guidance and support,” Metropolitan Petru said.
“In the same context, the Christian family is called to become a small church, a space in which Christ is present through common prayer, participation in the Divine Liturgy and the cultivation of evangelical principles.”
Women as bearers of faith
“A special place in this work belongs to faithful women, who throughout the history of salvation have been bearers of faith and models of self-sacrifice,” he noted.
It is no coincidence, he added, that the first heralds of the Resurrection were the Myrrh-bearing Women.
“In the history of our people, we also encounter many women who preserved the faith in difficult times and passed it on to the generations they raised,” Metropolitan Petru said.
“In Bessarabia, during years of persecution and the atheist regime, many mothers, grandmothers, and daughters were true confessors of the Christian tradition, teaching children unceasing prayer, the sign of the Holy Cross and love for God.”
He pointed to Saint Blandina the Confessor of Iași, recently canonised by the Romanian Patriarchate, as a contemporary example.
“Therefore, in contemporary society, the role of the Christian woman is essential. She is a mother, educator, and family support, often a pillar of balance in community life. Through care for children, prayer and self-giving, the woman contributes to forming a generation capable of living according to sound values,” Metropolitan Petru concluded.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
