The birth of St. John the Baptist was celebrated according to the unrevised calendar in the Bishopric of Southern Bessarabiatranslated

The birth of Saint John the Baptist was celebrated according to the unrevised calendar in the Bishopric of South Bessarabia. On this occasion, Bishop Veniamin officiated the Holy Divine Liturgy in the parish of Căuşeni, Republic of Moldova.

His Eminence emphasized the steadfast faith of the Righteous Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of Saint John the Baptist, showing that they remain a model for Christian families: "From their experience we see that God rewards the faith, patience and steadfastness of those who remain faithful to Him until the end."

"Although they were advanced in age and had no children, they did not lose hope, but persevered in prayer, serving God and constantly asking for His mercy and grace," said the Bishop of South Bessarabia.

The hierarch urged the faithful to follow the example of the parents of St. John the Baptist: "When we go through sufferings, privations or various trials of life, let us never stop calling on the mercy and grace of God upon us."

"In the same way, we are also called to put all our hope in the care of God, who arranges everything for the benefit and salvation of people. Let us seek to be...