Church of Moldova reports political pressure
Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in Chisinau. Photo: sobory.ru
The Orthodox Church of Moldova declared that the attempts of political interference in the affairs of the Church are inadmissible, according to the official website of the Chisinau-Moldova Metropolis.
The corresponding statement was made in response to the rhetoric of the deputy of the Moldovan parliament from the ruling Action and Solidarity Party, Oazu Nantoi. He demanded that the Chisinau-Moldavian Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church express its position on Ukraine and Transnistria, EADaily reports.
“Today is the time to prove that the Metropolis of Moldova supports the people of the Republic of Moldova, that it belongs to the Republic of Moldova and is not an ideological fiefdom of the Russian Orthodox Church,” Nantoi said. He also accused the Church of Moldova of “tolerating the anti-state activities of Archbishop Savva of Tiraspol and Dubossary”, under whose omophorion the Orthodox of the unrecognized Moldovan Transdniestrian Republic are.
According to the Orthodox Church of Moldova, it does not accept any form of interference by politicians in the affairs of the Church.
“The inconsistency of the statements of some political actors, who either call for complete silence and non-interference of the Church in the sphere of politics, or sometimes directly request statements and positions on certain issues, is alarming,” the Chisinau-Moldovan Metropolitanate notes.
Also, the Orthodox Church of Moldova noted that it remains the only institution that is trusted "on both sides of the Dniester".
“With his visit to Tiraspol, the Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova very clearly demonstrated that while there is no unity at the political level between Moldova and Transnistria, this unity never ceased at the church level, and the Dniester region to this day is the canonical terrain of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, where people are always happy to greet its hierarch, Metropolitan Vladimir.
Earlier, the Metropolitan of Moldova told the authorities that it is impossible to promote laws that are contrary to faith.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.