World Animal Day will be celebrated in Zarnesti with a special religious service, to be attended by dozens of animals.
The Religious service will be held Sunday, the 2nd of October 2016, from 1pm at St. Seraphim of Sarov Chapel, located inside the Zărnești Bear Sanctuary. The entrance to the Sanctuary will be FREE, doors opening at 12.30pm, for those who want to take part in the religious service, with or without their furry friends.
In addition to the 89 bears that reside in the Sanctuary, there will also be other animals, such as horses, donkeys, goats and dogs and all will receive the blessing of God, creator of all creatures.
World Animal Day was initiated in 1931 in Florence. It is celebrated every year on October the 4th, in the memory of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), founder of the Franciscan Order and protector of animals.
When it comes to the care given to animals by humans, the First Law of environmental and animal protection was given by God Himself. The Bible states that man must have mercy on them:
'The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.’ Psalm 145:9
'If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him' Exodus 23:5
The Bible regularly refers to occasions when the Lord used animals to send messages and help humans. A dove brought Noah the news of the end of the destruction, a donkey stopped Balaam from cursing Israel, a raven fed Elijah, two bears defended the Prophet Elezeu, lions spared Daniel when he was thrown into their cage, because of his faith, a whale transported Jonah to Nineveh, a dog accompanied Tobias to the land of the Medes, a donkey carried Jesus to Jerusalem, dogs licked the wounds of Lazarus and healed him.
Let’s show respect for the environment and the animals!
