Moldova Church calls for dialogue after Bessarabia leadership shift
The Moldovan Orthodox Church, which operates under the Moscow Patriarchate, has signaled a desire to mend ties with the rival Metropolis of Bessarabia, subordinate to the Romanian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Vladimir expressed hope for a fresh start following the enthronement of the new Romanian-aligned Metropolitan Antonie. Relationships between the two ecclesiastical bodies have historically been tense, exacerbated in recent years by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A pivot toward reconciliation
Speaking to national broadcaster Moldova 1, Metropolitan Vladimir stated that dialogue and cooperation should replace past animosities.
He blamed former friction on unspecified external secular figures, claiming the church had always sought peaceful coexistence. He added that the appointment of Metropolitan Antonie offers an opportunity to open a new chapter.
Bessarabia Metropolis expands civic role
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Antonie chaired his first official executive meeting at the diocesan headquarters in Chișinău.
He outlined strategic priorities aimed at broadening pastoral outreach and expanding chaplaincy services across hospitals, schools, detention facilities, and state defense structures. He also emphasized building stronger partnerships with public authorities, academic institutions, civil society, and news outlets.
Geopolitical context and migration of parishes
Metropolitan Antonie was a key legal claimant who secured official legal recognition for the Metropolis of Bessarabia at the European Court of Human Rights in 2001.
Tensions between the two jurisdictions have mounted sharply since 2022. Driven by opposition to Moscow's stance on the war in Ukraine, an increasing number of Moldovan parishes have formally left the Russian-linked church to join the Romanian Patriarchate.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
