Metr. Petru Requests Retirement from Bessarabia Leadership Role

Abp. Petru of Chisinau. Photo: cotidianul.md

CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — The Romanian Patriarchate has announced that Metr. Petru of Bessarabia submitted a formal request on May 27, 2026, seeking to withdraw from his service as Archbishop of Chisinau and Metropolitan of Bessarabia, citing age, health concerns, and the good of the Church.

The request is scheduled to be presented for approval during the upcoming working session of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which is set to meet on June 3–4, 2026. Church officials indicated that the decision will be considered within the Synod’s statutory procedures governing episcopal retirement and succession.

In the meantime, Patr. Daniel has appointed Metr. Theofan of Iași, who also serves as Metropolitan of Moldova and Bukovina, to act as Deputy Archbishop of Chisinau and Metropolitan of Bessarabia. He will serve in this interim capacity until the election of a new hierarch is completed according to church regulations.

The announcement was issued by the Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate and outlines the transitional leadership arrangement intended to maintain administrative continuity within the Metropolia of Bessarabia during the period of review and eventual succession.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bp. Joachim announced his retirement after long service at HCHC.

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