{"id":565067,"date":"2026-04-03T12:50:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T09:50:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=565067"},"modified":"2026-04-03T12:50:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T09:50:05","slug":"moldova-charity-drive-meal-of-joy-church-public-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/moldova-charity-drive-meal-of-joy-church-public-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Church leaders, public figures in Republic of Moldova urge support for national charity drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bishops of the Metropolis of Bessarabia have called on the faithful to take part in the national collection campaign \u201cMeal of Joy<\/a>\u201d, set to take place on Saturday in Chi\u0219in\u0103u and more than 40 localities across the Republic of Moldova.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us grow rich in God\u201d<\/h2>\n

In a video message, His Grace Bishop Antonie of B\u0103l\u021bi urged<\/a> believers to participate, stressing that charity is a Christian duty, particularly during Great Lent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe \u2018Meal of Joy\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod 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.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cMultiplying Christ\u2019s work in the world\u201d<\/h2>\n

His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia said<\/a> participation in the campaign reflects the depth of one\u2019s love for God.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Metropolis of Bessarabia invites each of us to take part in the \u2018Meal of Joy\u2019 collection, which this year will take place on 4 April, on Lazarus Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis collection has been organised for 17 years, and your offerings will bring joy to disadvantaged families in our villages and towns\u2014those in need of encouragement and of the love that reflects our love for God.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cWe 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\u2019s work in the world we live in, so that our lives may be beautiful and blessed,\u201d Bishop Veniamin said.<\/p>\n

Call for solidarity<\/h2>\n

Well-known Moldovan artist C\u0103t\u0103lin Josan also voiced support for the campaign, noting that even a small donation can bring \u201cjoy to those who will receive a warm meal\u201d.<\/p>\n