Russian Patriarch urges Moldovans to get rid of fear

Hundreds of faithful persons from all over the country attended the October 9 religious ceremony held by His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, at the Metropolitan Cathedral “God’s Birth” in Chisinau, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Patriarch officiated at a liturgical service alongside Moldovan Church officials on a special stage set up in front of the Cathedral. During the service, he gave a prayer, saying the contemporary world creates false values and, instead of spiritual values, offers money to the people, who live in fear because they do not want to lose it. His Holiness Kirill urged the faithful to get rid of fear, which he called the most destructive feeling. He stressed that absolute love is the most important feeling in life as it helps overcome all the difficulties. The service was attended by Acting President Marian Lupu, Prime Minister Vlad Filat, and the leader of the Communist Party Vladimir Voronin. The people present at the service said they came because they wanted to take part in the ceremony officiated by the Russian Patriarch. Though it was raining, nobody abandoned the ceremony that lasted for over three hours. The people said the Russian official brought the long-awaited rain. The security and public order at the service was ensured by hundreds of police officers. A number of ambulances were on guard nearby. In the evening, the Russian Patriarch laid flowers at the Monument to Ruler Stephan the Great. While in Moldova, he will take part in a number of events. The visit started in the evening of October 8 and will close on October 10 with the blessing of the cathedral of “Curchi” Monastery.