Bishops of the Metropolis of Bessarabia have called on the faithful to take part in the national collection campaign “Meal of Joy”, set to take place on Saturday in Chișinău and more than 40 localities across the Republic of Moldova.
The collection marks the culmination of a campaign launched in March and aims to support elderly people living alone and vulnerable individuals who cannot afford even one daily meal.
In 2025, the campaign was held in the Moldovan capital and 32 other localities, collecting 85,886 kilograms of food with the support of 1,200 volunteers.
“Let us grow rich in God”
In a video message, His Grace Bishop Antonie of Bălți urged believers to participate, stressing that charity is a Christian duty, particularly during Great Lent.
“We are in the period of the Holy and Great Lent, when we are called to show mercy to our neighbours, especially those facing material hardship. Saint John Chrysostom tells us that he who fasts but does not give alms fasts only to become rich; he who gives becomes rich in God.”
“The ‘Meal of Joy’ campaign, organised by the Diaconia Mission on 4 April, reminds us that, as Christians, we have a duty to be kind and generous to our neighbours. Even the smallest gift is received by God Himself, as we see in the Gospel.”
“God is good and calls us to goodness. When we are good to others, we become like God. I urge everyone to take part in this campaign, to give from what little we have, and thus, by multiplying good deeds, to grow rich in God.”
“Multiplying Christ’s work in the world”
His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia said participation in the campaign reflects the depth of one’s love for God.
“The Metropolis of Bessarabia invites each of us to take part in the ‘Meal of Joy’ collection, which this year will take place on 4 April, on Lazarus Saturday.”
“This collection has been organised for 17 years, and your offerings will bring joy to disadvantaged families in our villages and towns—those in need of encouragement and of the love that reflects our love for God.”
“We therefore call on everyone to support this initiative and, with love and selflessness, to offer from our limited means to those who are more in need than we are, thereby multiplying Christ’s work in the world we live in, so that our lives may be beautiful and blessed,” Bishop Veniamin said.
Call for solidarity
Well-known Moldovan artist Cătălin Josan also voiced support for the campaign, noting that even a small donation can bring “joy to those who will receive a warm meal”.
Satoshi, who will represent the Republic of Moldova at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, also backed the initiative, publishing a video message as part of the Diaconia campaign in which he called on the public to contribute and support those in need.
The Diaconia Mission’s campaign is also backed by the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, which called for solidarity with those facing hardship.
“The European Union has supported this initiative for several years, promoting solidarity and community involvement—so that together we may stand close to those in need of our warmth,” the delegation said in a Facebook post.
Photo: Diaconia Social Mission
