Bishop Antonie elected to lead Moldova's Metropolis of Bessarabia
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church elected Bishop Antonie of Balti as the new Archbishop of Chisinau and Metropolitan of Bessarabia on Thursday, July 2. The official decision was announced by Basilica News Agency, the official press outlet of the Romanian Patriarchate.
The electoral session was held at the Palace of the Patriarchate in Bucharest under the leadership of Patriarch Daniel. Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia also stood as a candidate for the high ecleziastic office.
Biographical profile and institutional background
Born on May 29, 1963, in Harbovat, Anenii Noi, the newly elected Metropolitan initially graduated from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau. He subsequently pursued theological studies at the Dumitru Staniloae Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Iasi.
Since 1995, the hierarch has managed extensive administrative, missionary, and cultural initiatives within the Metropolis of Bessarabia. His efforts focused primarily on restructuring and developing local church operations.
The Holy Synod previously appointed him Vicar Bishop of the Chisinau Archbishopric in May 2014, followed by his election as the Bishop of Balti via a secret ballot in May 2018.
Leadership transition and internal challenges
The position of Metropolitan of Bessarabia became vacant in late May following the official resignation of 79-year-old Metropolitan Petru Paduraru, who cited age and health concerns. Paduraru had successfully led the institution for over three decades.
However, the leadership transition coincided with the emergence of compromising video footage online allegedly showing the former prelate in intimate settings with another man.
Sovereign administrative or judicial authorities have not yet officially confirmed or denied the authenticity of the leaked digital materials.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
