FUNERAL: Gheorghe Urschi burial details and farewell schedule
Gheorghe Urschi, who passed away on April 13 at the age of 78, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, April 15, at the Central Cemetery on Armenească Str. in Chișinău. Admirers of his work may pay their respects to the “King of Humor” starting this evening.
According to the funeral schedule published by the Ministry of Culture, the body of Gheorghe Urschi will be placed on Tuesday, April 14, starting at 17:00, at the “Saint Teodora of Sihla” Church, where it will remain overnight.
The following day, starting at 10:00, the funeral ceremony will take place at the “Nicolae Sulac” National Palace.
Gheorghe Urschi will be buried on Wednesday at 14:00.
The funeral day of Master Gheorghe Urschi has been declared a national day of mourning in the Republic of Moldova, following a decision by President Maia Sandu. On this day, state flags will fly at half-mast, and public institutions and citizens will be urged to observe a moment of silence in memory of the great artist.
Funeral program of Gheorghe Urschi
April 14, 2026
17:00 – laying the body at the “Saint Teodora of Sihla” Church 17:30 - vigil service
April 15, 2026
08:00 to 09:30 divine service and memorial service (Prohod) at the “Saint Teodora of Sihla” Church 09:45 to 10:00 movement of the funeral cortege 10:00 to 13:00 funeral ceremony at the “Nicolae Sulac” National Palace 10:00 to 10:20 tribute to Maestro Gheorghe Urschi 12:00 to 12:30 mourning rally 12:30 to 12:50 farewell procession 13:00 departure of the funeral cortege toward the Central Cemetery on Armenească Str. 14:00 funeral ceremony
Gheorghe Urschi stood as an iconic figure on the artistic stage of the Republic of Moldova, known for a multifaceted career in theatre, film, television, and literature. An actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, and musician, he became a true cultural phenomenon and was regarded as the “King” of local satire and humor.
Born on January 18, 1948, in the village of Cotiujenii Mari, Soroca district, Urschi graduated from the B.V. Shchukin Theatre School in Moscow and devoted his entire life to the stage of the “Luceafărul” Republican Theatre in Chișinău.
His versatile talent also flourished in literature and dramaturgy, as he authored numerous plays, short stories, and humor volumes that captivated audiences through irony and depth.
Among them is “Testament,” one of the longest-running and most acclaimed productions in the theatre’s repertoire.
As a director and screenwriter, he created landmark films such as „Cine arvonește, acela plătește” leaving a lasting mark on national cinema.
His work extended beyond theatre to include numerous television and radio projects, performances across the country and abroad, as well as significant contributions to literature and music. In the 1990s, he founded his comedy theatre and remained an active presence in cultural life.
During the Transnistrian region War, Gheorghe Urschi stood on the front line, supporting soldiers’ morale through concerts.
His stage performances became legendary, as he portrayed the flaws and virtues of Moldovan society with sharp wit and unmistakable humor.
Although a stroke in 2011 forced him to withdraw from the spotlight, his cultural legacy received high recognition, including the titles “People’s Artist,” the “Order of the Republic,” and the National Award, and he was also declared an Honorary Citizen of Chișinău.
