Chisinau celebrates its Feast: Orthodox Christians celebrate Protection of the Mother of God
Today, Chisinau celebrates its Feast, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, celebrated by old-style Orthodox Christians on October 14. The history of this holiday begins with the transition to the third millennium, when the Chisinau City Hall, together with the representatives of the Metropolis of Moldova and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, chose this date to mark the Feast of Chisinau. The celebration was inspired by one of the three patrons of the Nativity Cathedral.
The Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God has a deep historical and spiritual significance. The first documentary attestation of Chisinau as a rural settlement occurred at the beginning of October 1436, just a few days before the religious holiday. This holiday is considered a special moment in the tradition of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the protection offered by the Mother of God to the faithful.
Tradition of the Protection of the Mother of God
The feast day celebrates the appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae (Vlaherna) in the tenth century.
The Theotokos approached the center of the church, knelt down and remained in prayer for a long time. Her face was drowned in tears. Then she took her veil (cerement) off and spread it over the people as a sign of protection. During the time, the people in the city were threatened by a barbarian invasion. After the appearance of the Mother of God, the danger was averted and the city was spared from bloodshed and suffering.
On this day, they also celebrate the day of the church in some settlements. After the Divine Liturgy, the faithful go around the church with icons and crosses, as on Easter.
