The Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened on Friday in Chișinău under the chairmanship of His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories.
The meeting was attended by His Grace Bishop Antonie of Bălți, His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, and His Grace Nectarie of Bogdania, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Chișinău.
In the context of the Centennial Year of the founding of the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Romanian Orthodox Church’s elevation to the Patriarchal rank, the hierarchs approved a series of solemn liturgical, cultural, and educational events. These are aimed at reaffirming the living, confessional role of the Church in the life of the Romanian people in Bessarabia and honouring the sacrifice of their predecessors.
Projects Honouring Deported and Martyred Clergy
Commemorative initiatives will be held in memory of the Bessarabian Orthodox clergy who were martyred during the atheist Soviet regime. These efforts are vital both for recovering the memory of those who confessed the faith at the cost of their freedom or lives and for restoring an essential chapter in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
The projects will include the collection of oral and documentary testimonies, memorial services, public lectures, editorial releases, and other initiatives that shed light on their sacrifice.
The Metropolitan Synod also made decisions to strengthen local Orthodox communities and encourage more active involvement of the clergy in public life.
The Archdiocese of Chișinău announced plans to expand pastoral activity in social institutions, medical facilities, and penitentiaries—a decision taken during the Eparchial Council’s Executive Committee meeting held on Thursday.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
