Ancient church revitalised: A local triumph
Hundreds of residents from Teșcureni village, Ungheni district, gathered to witness the consecration of the Church of Saints Michael and Gabriel, a historical landmark dating back nearly 240 years.
The liturgy was officiated by Archbishop Petru Musteață of Ungheni and Nisporeni. Local parishioners consider this place of worship one of the oldest in the country.
Originally constructed of wood in 1786, the Church of Saints Michael and Gabriel was relocated to its current site following a devastating fire that ravaged the village. Worshippers who attended the consecration ceremony expressed their hopes for peace and prosperity for their nation.
‘Everyone came together, lending a hand to make it beautiful, to remember our parents, our ancestors, and everyone else,’ shared a local resident.
‘It was a very important moment because, since I’ve lived in this village, there hasn’t been such a big event. I’m glad that the people in the village were willing to help with this event, both materially and financially,’ another said.
‘To be closer to God, because in today’s world it is very difficult, especially for the younger generation, who are somehow more distant. These are very important moments,’ remarked a local resident.
‘It’s a very old place of worship, and we cherish it. It’s over 238 years old,’ locals affirmed.
This was the first archiepiscopal liturgy in a century, according to the church’s parish priest, Serghei Ceaglei. ‘Today, by God’s grace, we have reached this beautiful moment of consecrating it, thanks to His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Ungheni and Nisporeni, who dedicated a day today to consecrate, to bring us joy and mercy in the village and in our church.’
Following the liturgy, 50 packages of winter clothing were distributed to children in the village.
‘We also came with gifts for the children of this locality, with this batch of clothes, to bring joy to these needy children who are waiting for help from the holy church. On behalf of the Diocese of Ungheni and Nisporeni, we have brought a batch of new clothes,’ said Archbishop Petru Musteață.
With the help of locals, the church’s roof was replaced, and the iconostasis and walls were painted over the past two years. The renovations cost over 200,000 lei.
‘This church, dedicated to Saints Michael and Gabriel, is protected by the Ministry of Culture as a historical monument. It was built in 1786 and has a rich history. It survived wars and has been preserved to this day, thanks to the repairs carried out by the village’s faithful citizens,’ said Gheorghe Colțișor, the mayor of Teșcureni.
Over a thousand people live in Teșcureni village, Ungheni district. The 13 benefactors who contributed to the church’s restoration received seven medals and six diplomas from the Diocese of Ungheni and Nisporeni. The church also operates a social canteen.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
