On Saturday morning, before Easter, the Holy Liturgy is held in all the churches in Moldova. After this, the Christians can take communion. The services start at 8:30am or at 9:00am in some churches.
Priest Ioan Ciuntu, bishop of the Chisinau Romanian Orthodox Cathedral “Sfânta Teodora de la Sihla”, has told IPN that later, during the day, the churches, prepare for Easter Vigil. The vestments and the hangings in the church are changed into bright colors. A short service is held at 11pm. Later, at midnight, all the lights in the church are put out and the priest comes with Holy Fire to the parishioners, urging them to take light. Afterward, everyone goes out of the church and, together with the priests and the church choir, they all go round the church for three times.
The priests say for three times “Christ is Risen!” and the parishioners answer “He is Risen Indeed”. Later, the church doors are opened and the traditional services are held. At the end, a message is read and the people are urged to enjoy the holidays and the revival of Christ and not to be said. The priests also read the prayer to bless the eggs and meat and then blesses the food with holy water.
Ioan Ciuntu called on the faithful not to bring too much food to the church and not to bring strong alcoholic drinks for being blessed and to be more modest and not exhibit their affluence. They should better give alms to those in need.
The basket with food should contain, besides red painted eggs and Easter bread and cake, a flower and a small bottle of wine as wine is permitted on Easter.
In the afternoon of Easter Day, they hold the vespers and a canon service, while the next day after Easter they hold the Holy Liturgy. After the service, the people use to visit godchildren and other relatives to take Holy Fire to them.
Contacted by IPN for a comment, priest Octavian Moșin, of the Meeting of God Church of the State University of Moldova, said the persons who fasted can take communion on Easter Day too. During the week after Easter until Low Sunday, services will be held daily in some of the churches, primarily at monasteries.
