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#Exhibit of the Month

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The history of this icon traces back to the 10th century at the Protaton Monastery on Mount Athos. In one of the cells named "The Dormition of the Mother of God," an elderly hieromonk lived with his disciple. They preserved a superb depiction of the Virgin Mary. This old icon became renowned through the revelation of the prayer "It Is Truly Meet."
Between the years 980-982, on a Saturday evening before an all-night vigil, the elder monk left for the nearby church, instructing his disciple to continue the religious routine in the cell. Being obedient, the disciple followed the instructions. When he reached the 9th Ode of the Canons, "More Honorable Than the Cherubim...," he suddenly heard someone beginning to chant alongside him: "It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos..." It was a mysterious pilgrim monk who had appeared unexpectedly and joined in the prayers. At that moment, the icon began to radiate light, as if it were broad daylight. Astonished by the events, the disciple asked the mysterious monk to write down the verses. The monk wrote them on a tile with his finger as if it were soft wax and said, "From now on, this is how you Orthodox Christians should chant," and, saying this, he vanished. Left alone, the disciple realized he had witnessed a great miracle. Enlightened, he understood that the pilgrim was none other than the Archangel Gabriel, who had come, as he had before, to deliver the word of the Highest to humanity.

The icon was transferred from the cell to the Holy Altar of the Protaton Church, where a similar icon is preserved to this day. The tile with the divine hymn was taken to Constantinople and included in the Orthodox Church's liturgical books. Soon after, Archangel Gabriel's prayer was incorporated into the Divine Liturgy, immediately following the Consecration of the Gifts of Bread and Wine. The valley with the cells has since been called Adin, meaning "to chant," "chanting."

The icon "It Is Truly Meet" is of inestimable value and has become the protector of Mount Athos. The icon is celebrated on June 11/24, commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Archangel, and on July 13/26, in honor of the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel.

This icon, of the Eleusa type, portrays gentleness and tenderness in its central figures. The Virgin holds the Child with her right hand, while her left hand, placed beneath His feet, grips the hem of His tunic. The small Jesus wears a short tunic reaching His knees and holds a scroll in His right hand inscribed with the words of the Axion hymn. His left-hand slips under the veil of the Virgin towards her left shoulder. Both figures are crowned with golden halos. Two angels flank the Virgin's halo, while the Almighty in an open heaven blesses with both hands.

Crafted using tempera on wood, the icon is adorned with gold leaf and multicolored enamel, giving the image a unique delicacy. The inscription on the lower frame indicates that the icon was created by the painter Ioasaf in 1905.

The painter monk Ioasaf Berghie (1862-?) of the New Neamț Monastery resided there between 1887 and the 1940s, occupying three rooms to set up his studio, where he worked continuously on icons and church artworks. Born into the family of a church teacher in Jabca village, Ștefan Berghie, Ioan Berghie developed a passion for sacred iconography from an early age. In 1890, Andronic, the abbot of the New Neamț Monastery, blessed him to paint icons. Taking monastic vows in 1895 under the name Ioasaf, he traveled by foot to visit major ecclesiastical centers nearby and further afield, learning the art of iconography. Starting with naive-style interpretations, he eventually mastered professional painting techniques and acquired new decorative skills. His works became highly popular throughout Bessarabia and abroad. Painting a significant number of icons, they were often mistakenly sold as coming from major artisan workshops. To prevent such confusion, he received the abbot's blessing to sign his works, earning recognition and fame for his name.

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Events Archive

Book Launch: "Two Missions in Germany. Unofficial About the Official"

December 17, 2024

On December 17, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the launch of the two-volume book "Two Missions in Germany. Unofficial About the Official", written by Igor Corman-historian, diplomat, politician, and entrepreneur from the Republic of Moldova. The event marked the author's 55th anniversary and brought together notable figures in diplomacy, history, and literature, who paid tribute to the author through their speeches.

Igor Volnițchi, a communication expert and the book's first reader, described "Two Missions in Germany. Unofficial About the Official" as a work with a strong historical character, detailing significant events from the periods it covers. "It's an easy-to-read book that showcases Igor Corman's subtle sarcasm and fine humor. It provides insight into what it means to be a diplomat and serves as an encouragement for ambassadors to write their memoirs," said Volnițchi.

Eugen Sava, Ph.D., general director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, highlighted that the two volumes represent an excellent historical study, shaped by the author's personal perspective as a diplomat.

Mihai Popov, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and member of the Diplomatic Council of the MFA, reminisced about his first interaction with Igor Corman in 1995 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He congratulated Corman for remaining the same professional diplomat, skilled communicator, and dignified individual throughout his years of diplomatic, political, and personal experience. "These books are just the beginning-or a continuation", Popov added.


Aurelian Dănilă, Ph.D. in Art Studies, university professor, and diplomat, described Igor Corman as a "gifted diplomat" and called the book "the best and most comprehensive document on Germany." "It is a deep analytical study, written by a professional hand, by someone who lived these experiences and recounted them in an engaging manner. This extraordinary work serves as inspiration for other ambassadors to follow suit," Dănilă said.

Ion Stăvilă, historian and diplomat, emphasized that launching a book is the greatest gift one can give themselves, as a book is like a monument that endures beyond one's lifetime. "Two Missions in Germany. Unofficial About the Official" is not a classic memoir but a serious monographic study of contemporary German history and Moldovan-German bilateral relations. "It is a valuable and engaging resource for students and novice diplomats, breaking many myths about diplomatic work. Elegantly written, it offers readers a unique pleasure. I've discovered a writer in Igor Corman and urge him not to stop here," Stăvilă declared.

Gheorghe Postică, professor and Ph.D., noted, "This work makes a remarkable contribution to understanding not only contemporary German history but also bilateral relations, demonstrating the importance of innovative diplomatic approaches and the author's personal perspective on historical events."

Igor Șarov, rector of Moldova State University and one of the first readers of the book, said: "I have known Igor Corman for years and can attest that he pours passion and soul into everything he does. This book is no exception. It's a beautiful accomplishment that deserved to be published and widely read and studied."

"This two-volume work is dedicated to my family, who supported me throughout this journey, to Moldovan diplomats, and to all friends of the Republic of Moldova in Germany," noted Igor Corman.



 

 


Independent Moldova
Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic
Bessarabia and MASSR between the Two World Wars
Bessarabia and Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in the Period between the Two World Wars
Revival of National Movement
Time of Reforms and their Consequences
Abolition of Autonomy. Bessarabia – a New Tsarist Colony
Period of Relative Autonomy of Bessarabia within the Russian Empire
Phanariot Regime
Golden Age of the Romanian Culture
Struggle for Maintaining of Independence of Moldova
Formation of Independent Medieval State of Moldova
Era of the
Great Nomad Migrations
Early Middle Ages
Iron Age and Antiquity
Bronze Age
Aeneolithic Age
Neolithic Age
Palaeolithic Age
  
  

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#Exhibit of the Month

The history of this icon traces back to the 10th century at the Protaton Monastery on Mount Athos. In one of the cells named "The Dormition of the Mother of God," an elderly hieromonk lived with his disciple. They preserved a superb depiction of the Virgin Mary...

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

 



The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC