On July 2 it is 509 years of the death of Ruler Stephan the Great and Holy. On this occasion, senior state officials, MPs, members of the Government, managers of central and local public institutions and political leaders laid flowers, kneeling to the ruler’s monument, IPN reports.

President Nicolae Timofti was the earliest one. He laid flowers at the monument located in the center of Chisinau almost one hour earlier than the other officials and didn’t make statements.

Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said that during his rule, Stephan the Great managed to transform the Principate of Moldova into an island of stability and resistance and managed the country in an exemplary manner. “This special personality taught us a good lesson of dignity. He is an example that we should study and bear in mind,” he stated.

Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca said the people, especially the politicians, should learn from the behavior of Stephan the Great. “Stephan the Great had other rules. They did great things with little money, not vice versa,” he added.

Minister of the Environment Gheorghe Salaru considers that not only the politicians should follow the celebrated ruler’s example, but also all the Moldovan people. “Stephan the Great will always remain a symbol to be followed. We should also do much with little money and not complain,” he stated.

While the officials were laying flowers, some of the passersby asked what the occasion was. They said they have too many concerns to remember such commemorative dates.

Stephan the Great ruled between 1457 and 1504, being remembered for his exceptional deeds aimed at defending the country’s integrity and developing it multilaterally and at protecting the faith. After ruling for 47 years, the great ruler passed away on July 2, 1504. His tomb is situated at the Putna Monastery. Stephan the Great was canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church in 1992.