On September 27, 2024, the Metropolitanate of Bessarabia (of the Romanian Patriarchate) published a statement condemning the participation of clergymen of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moldova in the presidential election campaign in Moldova. The statement noted that this is “offensive to the Christian soul” and violates the Gospel commandments, as well as contradicts the true mission of the Orthodox Church.
Although specific names were not mentioned, the statement spoke of the cathedral of “Saints Constantine and Helena” in the city of Bielce, where Archbishop of Bielce and Falesia (ROC) Marcell called for support for Victoria Fourtune’s candidacy in the presidential election. The Metropolitanate believes that the participation of the clergy in politics destabilizes Orthodox communities and is unacceptable, especially when campaigning is done in churches, newsmaker.md reports.
In addition, the Romanian Church emphasized the importance of compliance with Moldovan legislation, which prohibits religious organizations from supporting political candidates. The statement also hints at the influence of a “foreign force” – an obvious allusion to Russia and its role in Moldova’s politics.
The Metropolitan also expressed support for Moldova’s European course, stressing that this course reflects democratic values and respect for the church.
Earlier, the media reported that Archbishop Marcell openly supported the nomination of Victoria Fourtune, calling her “a Christian, a tender mother and an honest wife” capable of promoting Christian laws in the country.
It should be recalled that the new head of the Baku Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church forces priests to pray for Russia’s victory. There was also a split in the pro-Russian Orthodox community: Z-blogger accused the Russian Orthodox Church of “treason”.
