On the eve of Easter, Publika reporters made an interview with His Eminence Archbishop Petru, Metropolitan of Bessarabia.

Reporter: His Eminence Archbishop Petru how is the Holy Easter Celebration prepared spiritually and how do Christians need to prepare and celebrate on this day?

The preparation has two aspects one practical - traditional and the other liturgical.

From liturgical point of view, it's a week with many special service done in every morning and evening. Two special services on Thursday - reading 12 gospels which are written accounts of the career and teachings of Jesus and Friday - sing the Prohod of the Lord's grave

From traditional point of view, we have guests and prepare specific holiday food as other people prepare for the Resurrection.

Which should be people's attitude towards fasting and Easter in 2019? Do people come to churches for their faith or just like their habit?

You may be surprised but nowadays people still fast and visit churches for their faith. Unfortunately, there exits people who come to churches only for habits. However, it's important to be faithful and and live with deed. 

This year, do you bring Holy Fire from Jerusalem?

We didn't come to Jerusalem to bring the Holy Fire for various reasons. However, we're still happy in our soul and we try to celebrate Easter like other good believers. We used not to bring the Holy Fire in few years but all Christians still celebrated this holiday. It's miracle that we confirm to have the true faith. We should know that it means nothing if we have the Holy Fire but we have no faith or without deeds.

 

Publika reporter with His Eminence Archbishop Petru, Metropolitan of Bessarabia.

Lately, there have been accusations that the churches are more involved in politics. Are these statements true? Do you think the churches may get involved in political life?

It's a subject we don't need to deal with at present. But I can tell you that the Metropolitan Church of Bessarabia and its clergy have not been involved in politics. We pray for the rulers of country, our cities, villages. We're obliged to pray for all and this is everything we do.