His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia went to Cernica Monastery’s cemetery last Friday to pray and recollect at the tomb of one of his predecessors, Metropolitan Gurie Grosu, the first Metropolitan of Bessarabia after 100 years of Russian occupation.
Metropolitan Petru officiated a memorial service for the rest of the soul of Metropolitan Gurie of blessed memory.
His Eminence also venerated the relics of St. Callinicus of Cernica kept inside the monastery’s main church.
The Metropolitan of Bessarabia prayed for peace, well-being and blessing upon the entire Romanian community, regardless of geographical boundaries.
This visit was not only a religious event but an act of continuation of a legacy of great significance for Orthodox Christians in Bessarabia, a statement on the official website of the Metropolis of Bessarabia reads.
Through this commemoration, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru demonstrated, on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Bessarabia, that “we never forget our roots and that we are united in faith and love for the nation and the Church.”
Gurie Grosu was the first Metropolitan of Bessarabia united with Romania. In 1920, the extraordinary Diocesan Congress elected him to the dignity of Archbishop of Chisinau and Hotin.
In 1928, once the archdiocese was elevated to the rank of Metropolis, he became Metropolitan of Bessarabia.
Gurie Grosu was Metropolitan of Bessarabia until November 1943, when he retired due to the pressure of the political regime. He retired to Bucharest and reposed on November 14, 1943, being buried at Cernica Monastery’s cemetery.
Foto credit: Mitropolia Basarabiei
