CHURCH OF THE PROTECTION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD, VATRA

The Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Vatra – a place of prayer, peace of mind and fellowship that holds an important place in the spiritual life of the local community.
Located at 3 Luceafărul St., the church belongs to the Orthodox Church of Moldova and is the centre of the Parish of the Protection of the Mother of God in Vatra.

Parish priest:

Archpriest Grigore Costin
Father Grigore Costin has been confirmed as parish priest of the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God by the Metropolis of Chișinău and All Moldova. In April 2025, Metropolitan Vladimir awarded him the right to wear a jewelled cross. Deacon Ștefan Costin also serves in the parish.
The church is an important spiritual landmark for the residents of Vatra. Here the faithful gather for prayer and take part in the Divine Liturgy, church feasts and important moments in the life of the community.
The church’s patronal feast – the Protection of the Mother of God – is celebrated on 14 October and has a special significance for the town, as this day is also linked to the traditional celebration of the Vatra Town Feast Day.

History and tradition:

The history of the church and of the Vatra parish community has also been documented in a book dedicated to the church. In 2018, the Vatra Gymnasium hosted the launch of the monograph “The Church in the Town of Vatra (A Short History)”, written by the parish priest, Father Grigore Costin. The book presents the history of the church and devotes a separate chapter to the life and work of the church’s first parish priest.
Over the years, the parish has also been involved in the educational and cultural life of the community. Father Grigore Costin has taken part in joint projects with the “Gheorghe Malarciuc” Gymnasium, including activities promoting moral, spiritual and cultural values among children and young people.

Vision

We want the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God to remain a place of faith, peace and community unity – a space where everyone can find spiritual support, encouragement and closeness to Christian values.
The church seeks to preserve and pass on to future generations the traditions, faith and spiritual values that are part of the identity of the Vatra community.

Mission

The mission of the parish is to serve the community through prayer, spiritual guidance and the cultivation of Christian values such as love of one’s neighbour, respect, responsibility, solidarity and mutual help.
By working with families, educational institutions and the local community, the church helps preserve traditions and strengthen the bonds between generations.

The Church of the Protection of the Mother of God is more than a place of worship – it is a place of faith and tradition that unites generations and stays close to the community of Vatra.