Moldova: Churches Break From Moscow Ties
The 'Saint John the Baptist the Prophet' church in Glodeni (Northen Moldova) has joined the Metropolis of Bessarabia. The announcement was published in the Official Monitor on Friday, March 15. This marks the second parish to leave the Eparchy of Bălți and Fălești.
The first was the 'Dormition of the Mother of God' church in the village of Răuțel, Fălești, which joined the Metropolis of Bessarabia two days ago, according to Nord-News.
"Unwilling to support a church that openly supports the war in the neighbouring country, the parishioners of the 'Dormition of the Mother of God' Parish of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, based in the village of Răuțel, Fălești, decided to join the Metropolis of Bessarabia," according to a message from the Răuțel Hall.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, several churches have joined the Metropolis of Bessarabia, and the trend is increasing, Constantin Olariu, the Secretary of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, previously told Radio Moldova.
The Metropolis of Bessarabia, canonically subordinate to the Romanian Patriarchate, has mentioned on several occasions that it is receptive to receiving all priests who wish to join it. It has categorically rejected any accusations that those who join the Metropolis of Bessarabia are being bribed with contributions from the Romanian state.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
