Metropolitan Vladimir: Chisinau Hram is an occasion for joy and common prayer

The {Hram}* of Chisinau is an occasion for joy and common prayer, and even if there are tens of churches in Chisinau that have their own patron saints, the Feast of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God unites us all, His Eminence Vladimir, the Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and All Moldova, stated for Info-Prim Neo. “This is a special day because it is distinguished through joy and inner fulfillment. On this day believers honor their patron saint. They thank the saint for peace and well-being, and also for the fruits of the earth they received this year”, said HE Vladimir. According to the Metropolitan, on {Pocroave}, as the feast is also known in Moldova, believers usually bring foods from the current harvest to the church to pay tribute to the Lord. Other good, soul-edifying deeds are also welcome. The Metropolitan also expressed his regret that, while many people know about the merrymaking part of the feast, few know about the miracle made by the Mother of God and about the worship of the Mother of God in general. HE Vladimir believes that things in Moldova are changing for the better, and if we live with God in our hearts, we will be successful in everything. “People today increasingly embrace the values of Christianity, which gives us hope for a peaceful, God-blessed future”. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Feast of the Protection, or of Intercession, celebrates the apparition of the Virgin Mary in the 10th century at the Blachernae Church in Constantinople. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to ask Her Son, Jesus Christ, to accept the prayers of all the people entreating Him and looking for Her protection. {*Note for English readers: A hram is the feast day of a patron saint that every Moldovan town and village has. Every church also has a hram devoted to its patron saint. The word is derived from the Church Slavonic word храмъ, meaning shrine or temple}