Moldovans celebrate St. Basil

Moldova, with largely Eastern Orthodox population, celebrates on January 14 the feast of Saint Basil the Great – known here and in neighboring Romania as Vasile cel Mare – a bishop in the 4th century, considered one of the Church Fathers and venerated by the entire Christianity. In popular tradition, the feast of St. Basil marks the beginning of a new year, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to tradition, children proceed from house to house scattering seeds of wheat, barley or rice in a sowing-like motion over the people's households to wish them prosperity in the new year. This tradition is known as “semanatul”, meaning “the sowing”. St. Basil is believed to be one of the greatest pillars of the Christian Church. He loved children and always assisted the sick and the homeless. He was the first bishop to establish orphanages and hospitals and care homes for the elderly. He was also a famous preacher and many of his homilies have been preserved. On January 14, the Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord, occasion on which Christ was formally given his name, Jesus, a name derived from Hebrew, meaning 'salvation' or 'savior'.