The child born in a manger brings much joy in such a gloomy world, where we see so many wars. And here is a ray that glimmers and warms our souls in the dead of winter, even though God has given it to us in a gentle way. This is the opinion of priest Andrei Pârgaru, from the Church of St. Great Martyr Dumitru in Chetrosu, Anenii Noi, who says that the Nativity of the Lord is the feast that should unite.
"Whether they celebrate the Nativity of the Lord on January 25 or on January 7 - this should not divide Christians, because the Savior was born for all. It is the holiday with a special significance, which should unite", the priest told IPN.
The priest said that the Nativity of the Lord is a feast expected by everyone, from children to the elderly. It is a feast at the beginning of the year, with a very important role and significance for Christians, and it brings families together at home.
At church, they did their best to decorate a wreath and prepare gifts for the children who come. In fact, services have been held since the Sunday before the Nativity and Monday, which was the eve of the Nativity.
Today, January 7, Christians arrived at church early in the morning. Priest Andrei Pirgaru says that from 07:30 they will celebrate the Holy and Divine Liturgy, followed by a program of carols. On Wednesday, January 8, the Soborul of the Mother of God, who gave birth to the Savior, will be celebrated. On January 9 is the feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr and Martyr of the Church, who suffered for Christ.
"Christ is born, praise him! Christ in heaven, welcome him! Already since December, at church services, we hear this hymn which prepares us for the Nativity. With fasting, confession and confession, we reconcile with one another, we share with one another, and so we receive the Holy Child in the holy manger. God help us", said the priest.
The priest added that it is very important for Christians to know how to enter fasting, but also how to come out of fasting. And it's very important to distinguish between the feast of the Nativity of the Lord and commercial Christmas, which is increasingly emphasized by traffic jams, queues at the shops, empty shelves. Or the impression is created that people don't eat anything all year round, and at Christmas they overindulge, filling their fridges and tables.
"But this is not Christmas for us, this is not joy, for us it is Christ born in the manger. Eating is to maintain life in the body, but it is that joy of the soul, of the interior", said priest Andrei Pirgaru.
