The Eastern Orthodox Church of Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Ruseștii Noi celebrated its 145th Anniversary on September 19, 2015. The "Biserică" is the only church in the village which is not unusual considering that Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion in Moldova with 96% of the population claiming membership in one of two denominations: Russian and Romanian.
The Biserică is a source of pride in the village and painstaking care was taken in preparing for the celebration. Much effort and time went into sprucing up the Biserică and its grounds. And then of course there was preparation for the "masă" or meal which is an important part of any celebration.
The significance of the event was marked by the presence of the Metropolitan (Bishop) of Chisinau and about 20 priests. The Metropolitan was met at the gates to the grounds by the Bisercă's Preot (priest) and the Mayor, and processed to the Biserică on a path of grass clippings and flower petals amidst flowers held high by children.
The service in the Biserică was literally standing room only because Eastern Orthodox churches do not have pews or any type of seating. People stand and in this case they stood for about one and one half hours in a very warm Biserică filled with much incense. The service was mostly sung with the priests chanting and the choir responding. The music and voices resonated in a beautiful harmony.
Following the solemn service, the priests processed around the Biserică stopping at various points to chant with the choir responding. At the entrance to the Biserică the procession ended and people gathered to listen to final remarks and thanks to all who participated.
The festivities concluded with the masă that had been prepared by women members of the Biserică. It was a typical Moldovan feast with many platters of food including fish and meat, plăcintă, vegetables and of course homemade wine. It was a celebration of the community's history and traditions.
The service in the Biserică was literally standing room only because Eastern Orthodox churches do not have pews or any type of seating. People stand and in this case they stood for about one and one half hours in a very warm Biserică filled with much incense. The service was mostly sung with the priests chanting and the choir responding. The music and voices resonated in a beautiful harmony.
Following the solemn service, the priests processed around the Biserică stopping at various points to chant with the choir responding. At the entrance to the Biserică the procession ended and people gathered to listen to final remarks and thanks to all who participated.
The festivities concluded with the masă that had been prepared by women members of the Biserică. It was a typical Moldovan feast with many platters of food including fish and meat, plăcintă, vegetables and of course homemade wine. It was a celebration of the community's history and traditions.
