Society

27 October, 2026 / 15:45

/ 4 hours ago

Old-Calendar Orthodox Christians celebrate Saint Venerable Paraskeva, patron saint of Moldova

Orthodox Christians who follow the old church calendar celebrate Saint Venerable Paraskeva today, October 27, who is considered the patron saint of Moldova. On this occasion, the patronal feast is being marked in more localities across the country and religious services are held in places of worship.

In popular tradition, the holiday is also known as Autumn Saint Friday. The day is associated with prayer, charity and the commemoration of the departed. At the same time, believers traditionally distribute food and other gifts.

Saint Venerable Paraskeva lived in the 11th century and is known for a life devoted to faith, prayer and helping people in need. According to the Christian tradition, she chose an ascetic life from a young age and distinguished herself through humility and charity.

The relics of Saint Paraskeva were brought to Iasi, Romania, in 1641, during the reign of Ruler Vasile Lupu and are currently kept at the Metropolitan Cathedral of this city. Over time, it has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Orthodox believers from Romania and Moldova.

On Saint Paraskeva’s feast day, people named Paraskeva, Paraschiva, Paraschiv, and their derivatives are celebrated.

Saint Paraskeva is also commemorated in other countries with large Orthodox populations, such as Greece and Bulgaria.

On this day, the patronal feast is being marked in 80 localities across 28 districts, including the towns of Ialoveni and Straseni. On this occasion, the police urge citizens to maintain public order, avoid conflicts and behave civilly; not to drive after consuming alcohol, take care of their personal belongings in crowded places and supervise children at all times.

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