Hundreds of Christians came to the Saint Teodora of Sihla Church in Chisinau on Monday to pray and say goodbye to Grigore Vieru. The body of the poet was brought to the church at about 15.30, one hour later than planned. The people queued near the church, Info-Prim Neo reports. Ian Raiburg and Grigore Vieru had been friends for approximately 30 years. Most of Ian Raiburg’s songs are based on the verses of the poet: “Ce seara minunta” (“What a Wonderful Evening”), “Cumparati flori” (“Buy Flowers”), “Asta seara” (“This Night”), “Clar de luna” (“Clear Moonlight”) etc. “I saw him on January 15. We drank a cup of tea and talked. He wanted that we wrote several texts together. After that he went to Cahul. I think I was the last person in Chisinau to whom he said goodbye. I’m very proud that I had been Grigore Vieru’s friend for a long period of time,” Ian Raiburg said. “The entire Romanian nation is grieved. A month ago we discussed about the performances that we intended to give. A folk music concert. Now the thoughts remained in the past. I cannot believe that this man has departed this life. God rest him,” said master Nicolae Botgros, the conductor of “Lautarii” orchestra. “Grigore Vieru was the apostle of work and the grave and the death cannot do what the book and the word can,” said Aurelia Covalschi, a Chisinau teacher. “I grew up with his poems and his simple but wise verses guided us our whole life. We are sad that he passed away so soon. He will yet remain alive through his works,” the teacher said. “He was a luminary offered by God to our people. He loved the country, the people, the language and the truth. He burned like a candle for our future. He should remain in our hearts and we should fulfill his dream. God rest his soul!” said Ana Balcu, an admirer of the poet. “Grigore Vieru was a great personality of our national culture. It is regrettable that the people praise him after his death. I think that a street and a high school will bear his name. It is too late, but the municipal authorities should have conferred the title of citizen of honor of Chisinau on him,” municipal councilor Oleg Cernei said. The body of the poet will remain at the Saint Teodora of Sihla Church until Tuesday, 09.00. The church will be open all night.