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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) 🌐 Translate comments

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

И на мен ми хареса как владиката говори за Захария и Елисавета – че не са се отчаяли на стари години, ами са продължили да се молят. Същото беше и при баба ми, чакаше внуци дълго време и все повтаряше, че Господ дава, когато му е времето. Благодаря за службата в Къушени, хубаво е да се пази старият календар.

Стоян Марков

И на мен ми направи впечатление как владиката Венiamin говори за Захария и Елисавета – че не са се отчаяли на старини, а са стояли в молитва. Същото беше при нас с жена ми, чакахме дъщерята няколко години и все се надявахме. Благодаря за службата в Къушени, хубаво е да се пази старият стил.

Lucie Nováková

Ano, ta část o Zachariášovi a Alžbětě, jak se nepoddali stáří a pořád se modlili, mě taky dostala. My jsme s manželem čekali na prvního syna pět let a člověk opravdu vidí, že Bůh to má ve svých rukou. Díky za zmínku o službě v Căușeni, zní to jako pěkný svátek.

Cristina Ionescu

Și pe mine m-a impresionat ce a spus episcopul Veniamin despre Zaharia și Elisabeta, cum nu și-au pierdut nădejdea la bătrânețe și au rămas statornici în rugăciune. La fel a fost și cu sora mea, a așteptat opt ani un copil și spunea mereu că Dumnezeu rânduiește totul la timpul Lui. Mulțumesc pentru slujba din Căușeni, e bine că se păstrează calendarul vechi acolo.

Lukáš Šimko

Áno, ten príklad Zachariáša a Alžbety ma chytil za srdce. My s manželom sme čakali na prvú dcéru vyše štyri roky a naozaj sa potvrdilo, že trpezlivosť v modlitbe prináša svoje. Pekne to biskup Veniamin povedal, hlavne to o tom, že Boh všetko zariadi k nášmu dobru.

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

І на мене запала та частина, де владика Венiamin говорив про Захарію і Єлисавету, що не втратили надії, хоч були вже старі, а молилися далі. У нас з дружиною теж було так, чекали доньку майже чотири роки, а потім Господь послав. Добре, що в Кеушені служили по старому календару, бо для багатьох це рідніше.

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?