Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania, the newly appointed Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, was presented to the believers of the Basarabia Metropolis during a ceremony at the “Three Holy Hierarchs” Church in Chișinău.
Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia led the Divine Liturgy, joined by Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania, advisory priests from the Chișinău Diocesan Center, deans of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, and other clergy members.
Following the service, Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania delivered a speech expressing his reliance on God in carrying out his episcopal duties.
“Thirty years ago, I answered God’s call to monastic life at Putna Monastery, where the Holy Ruler Prince Stephen the Great has been revered for centuries. By God’s grace, I am now called to serve as a bishop in the blessed land of Basarabia, also under the protection of St. Stephen, to continue the work of our ancestors with prayer and sacrifice,” the bishop stated.
Episcopacy, a Cross of Light
“Episcopacy is not a worldly honor, but a cross. However, this cross is not a burden but a source of light, for any cross borne with the Savior brings joy,” the assistant bishop added.
“Therefore, I do not approach this ministry in my own strength but with trust in Christ, who said: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’”
Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania also highlighted the spiritual unity among Romanians on both sides of the Prut River.
“I come to be one of you, accompanied by the love of our brothers from the right bank of the Prut, who, although separated by borders, remain connected to us through the same spirit of prayer,” the bishop emphasized.
Source: Patriarchate of Romania
