Moldovan president conveys message on Memorial Easter

Our thoughts turn to those dear to us who are no longer with us, but remain forever in our hearts, on Memorial Ester. President Maia Sandu today conveyed a message to this effect, on the day when Orthodox Christians mark the Memorial Easter and commemorate the deceased.

The head of state said that this holiday was a solace for families.

“On these days, families gather to commemorate, share memories and strengthen the bonds that hold us together. May these moments bring us solace for the soul and represent a bridge between the past and present,” said Maia Sandu.

Traditionally, Memorial Easter is celebrated a week after Easter Sunday, the actual Easter. In larger rural areas and cities with several cemeteries, the holiday takes place during several days, starting from Saturday and lasting until Monday.

On Memorial Easter, believers visit the graves of loved ones, clean and arrange them, priests conduct memorial services, after which relatives offer alms for the souls of the deceased.

People usually give red eggs, sweet bread and Easter bread to the needy, and also place flowers on graves. Each woman brings with her a towel, gathered at one end and tied with a candle. The towel is offered to the priest who reads the memorial lists. On this day, not only known deceased are remembered, but also the entire lineage of common ancestors.