In a message published on the Metropolis of Bessarabia’s official website, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia urged the faithful in the Republic of Moldova to participate in the Population and Housing Census and identify as Romanian by nationality and mother tongue.
Metropolitan Petru noted that this year’s Census on Population and Housing is “a good opportunity to testify to who we are, where we come from and what is our belief.”
“Thus, we urge you with all our love to get involved with fervour and responsibility in this census process and to declare your ethnic affiliation by mentioning your Romanian nationality, the Romanian language and the Orthodox faith,” the Metropolitan underscored.
“Romanian nationality is a theme of unity and solidarity for our entire community, regardless of borders and historical contexts.”
“It is our duty, as Romanians and Orthodox Christians, to testify to our Romanian identity with dignity and full gratitude, to honour our nation and to contribute to perpetuating our values and traditions that define us,” Metropolitan Petru also conveyed.
“The Romanian language is the most precious treasure of our cultural and linguistic identity. It is the living expression of our national spirit and historical heritage. Preserving and promoting the Romanian language is a sacred responsibility towards our ancestors and future generations,” the Metropolitan of Bessarabia noted in his message.
“The Orthodox faith is the cornerstone of our spiritual and religious identity. It unites us in a holy communion with the other believers and urges us to live in love and truth, serve God and love our neighbour,” the Metropolitan wrote.
“By confessing the Orthodox faith in the census, we affirm our close connection with the Church of Christ and commit ourselves to live in accordance with its divine teachings.”
“We address this exhortation, accompanied by prayers to the Compassionate God to bless this initiative and strengthen us in our determination to be witnesses of the truth and our faith in all circumstances,” Metropolitan Petru concluded.
Source: basilica.ro / Photography courtesy of Andrei Sebastian Lazăr
