Archbishop Markel of Balti conducted the service and conveyed the Holy Fire to the faithful.

Archbishop Markel of Balti and Falesti held a service in Balti on Sunday, April 20, and handed over the Holy Fire to the parishioners.

"The path to joy lies through suffering on the cross, and when we reach this joy, the path we have traveled, even if it was thorny, narrow and difficult, means nothing anymore, because we have achieved the joy of Christ's resurrection," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

Earlier, the priest was not allowed to leave the borders of Moldova to go after the sacred fire.

Forward to the 90s: why are criminal authorities being released in Moldova

Repeat offenders on life sentences took advantage of holes in the legislation

Markel, who was on his way to Israel for the Holy Fire, told Izvestia on April 17 that he had been detained at passport control at Chisinau airport. There, his documents were seized without explanation. According to the priest, all this was done purposefully so that he would not catch the flight.

The next day, the archbishop attempted a second flight and said that on the way to the airport, his car was constantly stopped by the police. After that, the clergyman was not allowed to fly out of Chisinau for the second time. At the same time, an action in support of Markell took place near the airport: the participants of the rally came out with posters "We are waiting for the Holy Fire at home!".