Today and tomorrow, Chisinau is hosting the 16th edition of the March of the Cross and Penance, in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Kazan, the Holy Protectress of Russia.

The Moldovan Metropolitan Church said in a press release that the March, joined by both clergy and parishioners, started today from the Wooden Church, located near the City Gates, after a religious ceremony dedicated to the Intercession of the Mother of God.

During the procession, the participants pray to the Mother of God and Jesus Christ “for peace, wisdom, harmony and goodwill across the land of Moldova and for the Lord to send His heavenly mercy upon the country and the capital city.”

At the town church in Durleşti, at 10:00 p.m., participants in the March of the Cross will attend a service and by 1:00 a.m. take part in Divine Liturgy in "Cuvioasa Parascheva" church in Botanica sector. Tomorrow morning, the priests and believers will head to the Metropolitan Nativity Cathedral, where a closing service will be held at 09:00 a.m.