Hundreds of Orthodox Christians went to the God's Birth Cathedral in Chisinau on Wednesday, January 19 to pray, lit a candle and take holy water and blessed basil, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Christians said that it is very important to be clean and kind on Epiphany. Nadejda Puiu from Chisinau said that she yearly attends the service held on Epiphany. When she returns home, she splashes holy water all over the house and gives her children blessed water to do the same. Mariana Popa said that this feast is a joy for the soul. “God is always near us and helps us. We must have faith and be united, caring and understanding,” she said. Pensioner Larisa Strucova said that she always observes Epiphany. She added that she drinks holy water when she feels bad or when she has troubles. Lidia Burca came to the service together with her children. She said that she fasted on the eve and will drink holy water after the service. Only after that she will eat something. Grigore Foma, from Comrat, came to Chisinau on business, but did not want to miss the Epiphany service and went to the Cathedral to take holy water. Those who did not take basil with them could buy some at the entrance to the Cathedral. It is sold for 3 – 5 lei apiece. The basil sells well on Epiphany and on the eve, when the water is blessed. The service at the God's Birth Cathedral was attended by Premier Vlad Filat and Head of Parliament Marian Lupu.