A monument to ruler Stephan the Great was unveiled in the center of Criuleni town. The unveiling ceremony was attended by President Nicolae Timofti, Moldova’s first President Mircea Snegur and the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat, who sponsored the building of the monument.
The head of state said homage is rendered to the symbol of our dignity – Ruler Stephan the Great and Holy – by the inauguration of this monument on the national holidays Independence Day and Our Language Day, IPN reports.
“Stephan the Great had qualities of a great politician, warrior and diplomat. He is one of the greatest Moldovans of all times, who continues to be a model for us. He fought many wars and built dozens of monasteries and churches in the Country of Moldova. He is recognized all over Europe as a defender of Christianity. It’s admirable that we found resources, enthusiasm and will to erect a monument to the great ruler in Criuleni. In these places, on the banks of the rivers Nistru, Raut and Ichel, there were villages of peasants who formed part of Stephan the Great’s army. The people here are characterised by courage, audacity and love for the motherland. Namely the people from Criuleni, at the beginning of the 1990s, fought in the front line in the wars for our country’s integrity. The first heroes were killed here,” stated Nicolae Timofti.
Vlad Filat said the message transmitted by the statue is keeping peace, even if the great ruler is immortalized with a sword in his hands. “The monument has a special significance. The message is to keep peace, but, judging by the way Stephan the Great holds the sword, it’s evident that he is ready to defend the country. In the other hand, the ruler holds Soroca Fortress, which represents our country and which must be protected and developed,” said Vlad Filat.
The head of Criuleni district Vitalie Rotaru said this monument represents the dignity of the Moldovan people.
The event was followed by a concert by folk ensembles from the district and a handicrafts fair and culminated with fireworks.
Made in Iasi by sculptor Constantin Crenganis, the bronze monument is 4 meters in height and almost 2 tonnes in weight. It cost 2 million lei.
