Moldovan Church Hierarch: Authorities Are Interfering in Church Affairs
Archbishop Marcellus accuses the Moldovan government of pressuring the Church and applying double standards in favor of the Romanian Patriarchate.
CHISINAU — During an interview on Canal 5 television's Pulse, Archbishop Marcellus of Bălți and Fălești stated that the Moldovan authorities, led by President Maia Sandu, are interfering in Church affairs and are clearly applying double standards.
According to the hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, the country’s leadership officially claims that “the Church is separate from the state.” However, in practice, it turns a blind eye to parish transfers from the Moldovan Metropolis to the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Church. At the same time, priests who remain loyal to the Moldovan Metropolis and, for example, participate in pilgrimages abroad, are subject to criticism and political accusations.
“When it comes to transfers to the Metropolis of Bessarabia, they say: ‘the Church is separate from the state.’ But when priests of the Moldovan Metropolis go on pilgrimages, they are immediately labeled ‘agents of influence.’ And what’s the difference between holy places in one country and another?” Archbishop Marcellus exclaimed.
The hierarch reminded viewers that he represents no political force and that his sole position is to defend the Church:
“I was not appointed by any regime—neither Moldovan nor any other. I serve the Church. If someone interprets my honesty as aggression—that’s not my fault. It is a defense against crude interference,” he explained.
He also emphasized the importance of prayer and spiritual support, especially in difficult times:
“The Moldovan people need prayer. And if that happens in front of holy places—wherever they may be—so be it. To deny someone that opportunity is foolish,” he added.
In conclusion, the archbishop called on the country’s leadership, including President Maia Sandu, to cease pressuring the Church and its clergy and to respect the faithful’s right to canonical choice and pilgrimage.
