Orthodox Christians from Moldova mark birth of Saint John the Baptist

Chisinau, 7 July /MOLDPRES/ - The Orthodox Christians from Moldova today celebrate the birth of Saint Prophet John the Baptist, called also the Forerunner, as he announced about the coming of Jesus Christ.   

On this occasion, with the blessing of the Most Right Reverend Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, Bishop Ioan of Soroca, Metropolitan Locum Tenens, today officiated the Holy Liturgy at the Birth of God Metropolitan Cathedral from Chisinau.  

Saint John the Baptist is the Forerunner of the Lord, who prepared the way and people for the acceptance of Messiah, Jesus Christ. The principal message conveyed by Saint John was ‘’Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’’ Those who were giving up their sins were baptized in the Jordan river.  

The moment when Savior Jesus came to John to be baptized was the peak of the prophet’s mission on the banks of Jordan. He opened the hearts and minds of Jews to accept Christ and His word. The seeds thrown by Saint John will yield fruits: the first disciples of the Lord will be out of the disciples of Saint John.  

According to the State Register of the Population, there are more than 104,000 people bearing the name of John in Moldova.