The Orthodox Church of Moldova on July 15 celebrates the Holy and Faithful Voievod of Moldova Stephan the Great. On this occasion, MPs, Chisinau councilors and activists of the Party of Socialists laid flowers at the ruler’s monument in the center of the capital city, IPN reports.

“We, as real patriots and statehood protectors, came here to lay flowers at the monument to Stephan the Great in memory and in honor of the one who venerated the Moldovan people and this land,” said the Socialist leader of Igor Dodon.

Stephan the Great and Holy ruled in Moldova in 1457-1504. He is known as a defender of Christianity.