Believers to celebrate Saint Parascheva

Saint Pious Parascheva, Moldova’s Patron Saint and Protector of the Balkan Orthodox countries, will be celebrated tomorrow, October 27. The relics of Saint Parascheva, which lie inside the Metropolitan Cathedral from Iasi, are believed to have healed people over 350 years. Saint Parascheva was born in 1025 in Epivat, in a very rich Christian family. Since childhood she followed the Lord’s word, choosing spiritual life over material goods. During her life she was revered for her beautiful appearance and inner beauty. After she dies on a ship at the age of 25, she is sanctified. Initially buried at the seashore, then in Constantinople, her relics were brought by Prince Mircea the Old to Bucharest. After the Romanian Principality got weaker, the relics were brought back to Constantinople. Vasile Lupu, Prince of Moldova, bought the relics for a large amount of money and brought them to Iasi. In 1641 they were deposited in a silver coffin at Trei Ierarhi church. At present, the saint’s relics lie in the Metropolitan Cathedral from Iasi. A number of Moldovan villages celebrate their temple day on Saint Parascheva feast, including 6 Chisinau’s suburban villages. Local authorities say that the feast will commence with a liturgy and will continue with concerts, sports contests and bazaars.