Moldova Blocks Orthodox Pentecost Procession Ahead of State-Backed Pride Week

Religious procession in the capital of Gagauzia, September 2024. Photo: laf.md

GAGAUZIA — Authorities in Moldova have prohibited an Orthodox Christian cross procession planned for Pentecost in Gagauzia, while offering full support to the weeklong Moldova Pride 2025 celebration, which began on Monday.

The procession was intended to span from the village of Cismichioi to the city of Comrat, which spans 45 miles. Organized by the Diocese of Cahul and Comrat, the procession would have marched through five towns and villages before ending in the capital.

More than 3,000 were expected to participate in the prayerful march in celebration of the Great Feast.

A message from the Moldovan Church’s Telegram channel reported that they were contacted by law enforcement and informed that the event could not be held ahead of state-supported Pride festivities.

In a video statement, a priest from the Cahul Diocese expressed sorrow over the decision, criticizing what he described as growing persecution of the Orthodox Church in Moldova:

“The celebration of Sodom and Gomorrah – of sin and evil – scheduled for June 15 in Moldova is acceptable to them. They face no obstacles. I want to ask: what is going on today? Why is the Orthodox faith being persecuted? But the biggest question I ask myself, the one that pains me most, is: what will happen to our children? What awaits us in the future?”

Tensions in Gagauzia have escalated in recent weeks following the arrest of regional governor Evgenia Hutsul and ongoing disputes between the regional and central governments. According to EurAsia Daily, Hutsul was arrested on accusations of "electoral corruption" in the Bashkan elections and illegal financing of the Shor party from which she was elected.

In 2022, the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia unanimously voted to ban LGBTQ marches and related propaganda, a move echoed last month by Chișinău Mayor Ion Ceban. The central government has demanded Ceban reverse the ban, but he has refused, vowing to fight the issue in court.

Despite local opposition, Moldova Pride organizers plan to proceed with the annual parade in the capital on June 15.

Previously, UOJ’s Ukrainian Branch (SPZh) reported on a bishop in Moldova who was fined for criticizing the LGBTQ movement and protesting against a Pride parade.

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