Today marks the 520th anniversary of the death of Ruler Stephen the Great and Holy. President Maia Sandu laid flowers at the bust of Stephen the Great and Holy in Drochia town, where she is on a working visit, IPN reports.
“For the Moldovans, the life of the ruler represents a page of glory in the history of the country, which gives us an example of bravery in defending the freedom and faith of our people, a sign of unwavering courage in the face of the greatest challenges. With the lesson of Stephen the Great’s reign learned, we remain devoted to Moldova’s freedom and prosperity, no matter how cruel the circumstances may be, and we educate the younger generations to value their freedom and defend their values with confidence and courage,” said the head of state.
Stephen III, called Stephen the Great, was ruler of Moldavia for 47 years, from 1457 to 1504. He fought 36 wars, of which he lost only two. He built 44 monasteries and churches in Moldavia and Wallachia, in Transylvania or on Mount Athos. He died on July 2, 1504 and was buried at the Putna Monastery. He was canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church, with the name of Stephen the Great and Holy, in June 1992.
