His Holiness Metropolitan Vladimir Sanctifies Military Chapel

Chisinau, December 12, 2014 — Defense Minister Valeriu Troenco and Chief of Main Staff, National Army Commander, Brigadier Gen. Igor Gorgan, attended today the sanctification ceremony of a military chapel Stefan cel Mare si Sfant, held in Military Compound 142. The divine service was conducted by His Holiness Metropolitan Vladimir and a group of priests.

Metropolitan Vladimir appreciated the initiative to establish a chapel for soldiers and officers in the military compound for this is the place where everyone can find spiritual comfort, peace, silence and prayer. “I hope we meet more often in this church dedicated to Stefan cel Mare, that defended these lands with his cross and sword, as well as in other military churches, where the entire staff can pray and benefit of spiritual comfort”, His Holiness Metropolitan Vladimir said.

The Defense Minister thanked His Holiness and chaplains for encouraging the moral and spiritual education of the National Army staff. “The Church and the Army have been always appreciated by the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Today’s event is good evidence that the church and the army will always cooperate”, Valeriu Troenco said.

According to LTC Adrian Balan, the Head of the Military Compound 142, the renovation works of the church lasted about one month and were performed by the soldiers of the unit. The chaplains donated the church supplies and icons for the chapel. The Metropolitan Church of Chisinau and Whole Moldova will give a set of specialized books.

Military chapels were established in all the military units.