Analyst Warns of Romanian Church Expansion in Moldova and Eastern Serbia

Romania's National Cathedral. Photo: Romania Insider

CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — The Romanian Orthodox Church is expanding its presence in territories traditionally under the jurisdiction of the Moscow and Serbian Patriarchates, raising alarm among Orthodox leaders, according to analyst Prof. Dr. Zoran Milošević.

Writing in Pečat magazine and cited by Zivotcrkve.rs, Milošević notes that the Moscow Patriarchate has for years expressed serious concern over the growth of Romanian parishes in Moldova. He argues that the Metropolis of Bessarabia, headquartered in Chișinău, has significantly weakened the Orthodox Church of Moldova and now poses a threat to its continued existence. The Metropolis of Bessarabia is explicitly supported by the Moldovan authorities.

In July, UOJ reported that Archbishop Marchell of Bălți and Fălești accused the Romanian government and the Romanian Patriarchate of orchestrating takeovers of churches belonging to the Moldovan Orthodox Church. In November, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova rejected "unfounded attacks" and reaffirmed its autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate.

A similar process is unfolding in eastern Serbia, Milošević said, where the Romanian Church is accused of non-canonically entering Serbian territory, drawing believers away from the Serbian Orthodox Church and contributing to their "Romanianization." Milošević claims these efforts are being carried out with active support from the Romanian state and pro-Western non-governmental organizations.

Previously, UOJ reported that a court ruling in the Moldova had opened the door to mass transfers of church property.

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