The priest of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Comrat, Ilian Bondar, succumbs to COVID-19. He's the first Servant of the Lord in Moldova that passed away due to the complications caused by COVID-19.

The information was confirmed by the mayor of the locality, Serghei Anastasov. According to him, Father Ilian was hospitalized last week in Chisinau. 

Archpriest Fiodor from the Cathedral of Comrat said that Father Ilian suffered from heart disease and diabetes.

"He got sick and went home in Chisinau last week. He suddenly fainted in the backyard and was transported to the hospital Toma Ciorba. He tested positive for COVID-19 at the hospital. 

He refused hospitalization at Toma Ciorba and went to a private clinic. He went into coma there on Friday and needed artificial respirator, " said Archpriest Fyodor.

The 69-year-old priest passed away yesterday at 3 p.m.

His dead body is to be brought to Comrat today, where he will be buried.