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.
The celebration sounds wonderful. The Biserica is beautiful! It may not have any type of seating but it certainly has a wonderful decor! I am sure it was a challenge to stand 1 1/2 hours in a humid church but you certainly had a wonderful experience. The path with grass and flowers was so unique and the flowers around the pictures beautiful! It was evident the women spent much time preparing the masa! What a wonderful experience for you!
ReplyDeleteFall was beautiful here but the cold weather is on its way. One thing your are not missing is all of the political preparation for the presidential election next year. As you might expect it is frequent and not always pleasant!
Deb, know that I hold you in prayer each day. Thank you for giving of yourself for others! You truly are Jesus for others! With love....
The photos of the iconography are stunning. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteThe service sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing and letting us know what you are doing. I hope you are doing well. Mastering their language must be challenging but so rewarding when you can begin to talk with the community and your new friends. God Bless you Deb.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, thanks for capturing all of those great pictures of the 145th anniversary celebration of the Orthodox Biserica. I am delighted you had the experience of participating in the orthodox liturgy on such a special occasion. The pictures of the banquet foods, deserts and wine also caught the specialness of cooking in Maldova. Please get some of the special receipts to share with us.
ReplyDeleteWe had a delightful sun filled day. And the same is predicted for coming week. Best wishes in all your new ventures. Thanks for your updates.
Debbie, It was such a wonderful day to see as message from you. What a beautiful and rewarding time you must have had at the celebration. I enjoyed the photos and description so very much. You are missed here, but happy that you are able to help the people of Maldova. How are you doing with the many challenges? I am sure the rewards out way any language barrier. I look forward to hearing from you soon. I was having lunch with a girlfriend at the Pine Tree Barn and in walked Grace with her parents. It was a great ending to a beautiful day. You are in my prayers. Be good to yourself also.
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