Evrazia-funded pilgrimages raise election concerns
In recent months, several priests and citizens from the Republic of Moldova have taken part in religious pilgrimages to Russia, Serbia, and Jerusalem.
Some of these trips were reportedly funded by “Evrazia,” an internationally sanctioned organization accused of playing a role in destabilizing Moldova. The information was confirmed by both Metropolitan Vladimir of Moldova and the General Police Inspectorate.
“Yes, I’m aware of this. Recently, it has become nearly impossible for our priests to travel to Russia or elsewhere—mainly to Russia—because flights are extremely expensive. I contacted Patriarch Kirill to ask for assistance, and he said it was possible,” stated Metropolitan Vladimir.
According to him, “around 1,116 priests and laypeople travelled to Russia to venerate holy sites” such as those of Saint John of Kronstadt and Seraphim of Sarov. He acknowledged that the funding came from Evrazia but denied any direct ties to fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor. “I was told there’s a company—Evrazia—that provides the money. But there’s no connection to Mr. Șor. I was informed that Mr. Ilan Șor also receives some money from this organization,” he added.
Pilgrimages with hidden agendas? Police investigate
The trips extended beyond Russia. In February, the portal deschide.md reported that several priests were scheduled to travel to Serbia. Later, Police Chief Viorel Cernăuțeanu confirmed that two buses carrying clergy had departed for Serbia “under a cultural-religious pretext.”
“At least four or five trips were described as pilgrimages. However, based on our information and analysis, some of these did not align with that definition. Although they were labeled as religious pilgrimages, the true intentions and actions appear to be directed elsewhere,” Cernăuțeanu said.
The head of the General Police Inspectorate has previously stated that these trips may be linked to a broader scheme to influence Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections—allegedly coordinated from Moscow via Ilan Șor.
Metropolitan Vladimir, meanwhile, said that “no one from my diocese travelled to Serbia,” but confirmed pilgrimages to Jerusalem, where clergy met with the local Patriarch. He noted he had not received official information about who participated and suggested that “the sponsors likely covered the costs of the trip.”
Evrazia: A network sanctioned by the EU, US, and UK
Evrazia is a Russian non-governmental organization sanctioned in 2024 and 2025 by the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom. According to international authorities, the group has promoted Russian propaganda—including among minors—channeled funds from Russia and from Ilan Șor into the Gagauzia region, organized the transport of young Moldovans to Russia for pro-Kremlin indoctrination, and engaged in voter bribery schemes.
The sanctions imposed on Evrazia include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on international transactions.
Translation by Iugmrie Tataru
