The Chisinau-based Church “Saint Dumitru” was exempted from paying customs duties on the introduction of a chapel from Greece into Moldova, as an exception. Parliament adopted in the second reading a relevant legislative initiative proposed by MPs Vladimir Hotineanu and Marcel Raducan, IPN reports.

Vladimir Hotineanu said the proposal was formulated at the request of parishioners of Botanica district of Chisinau and of the church’s parish. “The chapel is in honor of heroes killed in the war for defending the integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova and is located at the intersection of Independentei St and the street that goes to the Church “Great Saint Martyr Dumitru” of Chisinau. The church’s application says the chapel will bear the name of Saint Voivode “Stephan the Great” and will represent a place for recollection and worship,” stated the MP.

Contacted by IPN, bishop of the Church “Saint Dumitru” Pavel Borshevski said the chapel was brought from Thessaloniki and was already installed. The church spent €18,000 on it. “The chapel was transported by pieces and we spent 89,000 on installing it. We requested the MPs to at least exempt us from import duties as we brought not a BMW car, but a chapel for everyone. The initiative was adopted when the chapel was already located. The sum spent on customs duties will be probably returned to us,” said Pavel Borshevski.

The first liturgy in the chapel will be held on July 15, when it is remembered patron saint Voivode “Stephan the Great”.