Romanian Orthodox Church Accepts Moldovan Priests Amid Tensions with Russian Church

The Romanian Orthodox Church has welcomed more than 60 priests from Moldova's Russian-linked Orthodox Church since 2023, as the Moldovan church's ties to the Russian Orthodox Church have become increasingly unpopular amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Romanian-linked Metropolis of Bessarabia is increasingly associated with Moldova's pro-European authorities and their goal of EU membership by 2030.

The Moldova Metropolis, subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church, has removed the clerical status of priests who have left to join the rival Bessarabia Church. However, the Bessarabia Church says it cannot understand the Moscow-linked church's actions. "The Romanian Church believes Moldova's future lies with Europe and Romania, and it will continue to welcome Moldovan priests and open new churches," a representative stated.

The tensions reflect Moldova's turbulent history and the divide between those who favor closer ties with Europe and those who maintain links to Russia. President Maia Sandu has upheld the separation of church and state amid the disputes.

Why this matters: The ecclesiastical tensions in Moldova mirror the country's geopolitical tug-of-war between pro-European and pro-Russian factions. The Romanian Orthodox Church's acceptance of Moldovan priests underscores the shifting religious landscape and its potential impact on Moldova's political and cultural orientation.

Metropolitan Vladimir of Chișinău, the primate of the Moldovan Orthodox Church, has issued an appeal to the clergy who left without a canonical release, urging them to repent and return. He emphasized the gravity of their actions and the negative impact on the community. However, the Romanian Church's structure does not recognize the canonical sanctions imposed by the Russian Church's authorities, as it considers itself the legitimate Church in Moldova.

Key Takeaways

• Romanian Orthodox Church welcomes over 60 Moldovan priests since 2023.
• Moldovan church's ties to Russian Orthodox Church become unpopular amid Ukraine war.
• Bessarabia Church associated with Moldova's pro-European authorities and EU membership.
• Tensions reflect Moldova's divide between pro-Europe and pro-Russia factions.
• Romanian Church does not recognize canonical sanctions imposed by Russian Church.