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

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

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...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (14) 🌐 Show original

Margaret Evans

The part about Zachariah and Elizabeth never losing hope even in old age really struck me. My own mother prayed for years before my brother finally came along, and she always said the same thing — God rewards those who stay faithful. It makes you think twice before giving up during the hard stretches.

Тодор Иванов

I also liked how the bishop spoke about Zacharias and Elisaveta - that they did not despair in their old age, but continued to pray. It was the same with my grandmother, she waited for grandchildren for a long time and kept repeating that God gives when it is his time. Thanks for the Cusheni service, it's nice to keep the old calendar.

Стоян Марков

I was also impressed by how Bishop Veniamin spoke about Zacharias and Elisaveta - that they did not despair of old times, but stood in prayer. It was the same with my wife, we waited for the daughter for several years and kept hoping. Thanks for the service in Kusheni, it's nice to keep the old style.

Lucie Nováková

Yes, the part about Zechariah and Elizabeth, how they did not give in to old age and kept praying, got me too. My husband and I waited five years for our first son, and you can really see that God has it in His hands. Thanks for mentioning the service in Căușeni, sounds like a nice holiday.

Cristina Ionescu

I was also impressed by what Bishop Veniamin said about Zacharias and Elizabeth, how they did not lose hope in their old age and remained steadfast in prayer. It was the same with my sister, she waited eight years for a child and always said that God arranges everything in His time. Thanks for the job in Causeni, it's good that the old calendar is kept there.

Lukáš Šimko

Yes, the example of Zechariah and Elizabeth touched my heart. My husband and I waited for our first daughter for more than four years, and it really proved that patience in prayer pays off. Bishop Veniamin said it well, especially about the fact that God will arrange everything for our good.

Luke Johnson

That bit about Zachariah and Elizabeth sticking with prayer even when they were old really hits home. My mate from church group waited six years for their first kid and always said the same – God times it right. Good to hear the old calendar service went ahead in Căușeni.

Sophia Evans

The part about Zachariah and Elizabeth not giving up hope even in old age stuck with me too. My aunt waited almost seven years for her first baby and always told us the same thing — keep praying, God knows the timing. Nice to hear Bishop Veniamin served the old-calendar liturgy in Căușeni.

Юрій Мороз

And I was struck by the part where Bishop Veniamin spoke about Zacharias and Elizabeth, who did not lose hope, even though they were already old, but continued to pray. It was the same with my wife, we waited for a daughter for almost four years, and then the Lord sent. It is good that in Keushen they served according to the old calendar, because it is more familiar to many.

Emily Clark

That part about Zachariah and Elizabeth really stayed with me too. My own grandmother waited eleven years for her first child and always told us the same — keep showing up at church and at prayer even when nothing seems to be happening. Did your mother ever share what that long wait taught her about patience in everyday family life?

Sophia Campbell

My aunt said something similar too — she and my uncle prayed for ten years before my cousin finally came along. The bishop’s point about not losing hope really hits home when you hear those family stories. Did you ever get to visit Căușeni yourself?

Olivia Campbell

My roommate's grandma waited even longer — twelve years of prayers before her first was born, and she always said the same thing about not giving up. Never made it to Căușeni, but I did hike near there once and the old churches felt so solid. How's your aunt doing these days?

Daniel Brown

My wife and I waited seven years ourselves before the kids came, so that part about steady prayer really rings true. Never got to Căușeni, but I did taste some of their local plum brandy once at a church festival here in Portland. How old is your cousin now?

Thomas Baker

That plum brandy from the Moldovan stall at the Portland festival is proper stuff – sharp and strong, isn't it? Seven years is a long wait; we prayed for our second one nearly that long before she arrived healthy. Your cousin must be what now, about 14?