The Orthodox Church of Moldova, which is an official branch of the Moscow Patriarchate, has dismissed accusations from the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Church that it is “Russian.” The Moldovan church described these claims as “unfriendly and dangerous.” Previously, it had also removed 11 priests from their positions for “switching sides.”
The Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Church has asserted that the term "Orthodox Church of Moldova" is incorrect and does not reflect the historical and canonical reality. Additionally, it claims this name is misleading, as it suggests representation of the entire Orthodox church organization in Moldova. This information was reported by Liga.News.
According to a communiqué from the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Church dated November 11, "In fact, this name refers only to the local church structure of the Moscow Patriarchate."
The Romanian Church also accused some hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of "direct and aggressive" interference in Moldova's electoral processes and "strongly condemned" the church's involvement in politics.
In its statement following a recent Synod, the Moldovan Metropolis distanced itself from Russia and declared its openness to all.
"The Orthodox Church of Moldova is not a 'Russian church' but the Church of all the people living in the Republic of Moldova, consisting of believers of different nationalities... The Orthodox Church of Moldova is free and independent in its administration," the statement reads.
The Church also called for unity, stating, "The Republic of Moldova should not repeat the mistakes of others; it is time to maintain balance and wisdom for the common good of our people."
Additionally, the Bessarabian Metropolis of Romania condemned the decision of the Orthodox Church of Moldova to defrock 11 priests who changed parishes in 2020 and "switched sides." The Orthodox Church of Moldova described these actions as "arbitrary, unfounded, and uncanonical."
"The announced excommunications have neither canonical nor legal force, since the mentioned priests, together with their communities, have not been under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate for many years... With these gestures, the pro-Moscow structures in Chisinau only express their disappointment with the return of an increasing number of communities and priests to the Romanian Orthodox Church," says the report of the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Church.