His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Exarch of the Territories, welcomed His Excellency Nikolaos Krikos, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Moldova, at the Metropolitan Residence in Chișinău on Wednesday. The meeting was held in light of the recent inauguration of the Greek Embassy in Chișinău.
The dialogue focused on various aspects of ecclesiastical and social life in the Republic of Moldova, particularly emphasizing the close relationship that the Metropolis of Bessarabia maintains with the Orthodox Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople through the Romanian Patriarchate.
Ambassador Nikolaos Krikos pointed to the appreciation for the Romanian Orthodox Church among Greek clergy and faithful, underscoring the importance of maintaining and strengthening the spiritual ties between the two Orthodox peoples.
Archdeacon Maxim Sturza, Advisor for Church Relations, External Relations, and State Institutions, briefly presented the Metropolis of Bessarabia’s pastoral, social, and missionary activities, highlighting the successes and challenges faced by the clergy and faithful in Moldova.
The meeting concluded with a visit to the Metropolitan Chapel of Saint John the Theologian.
Metropolitan Petru thanked the Ambassador of Greece for his visit and willingness to collaborate, which he deemed beneficial for the faithful of both countries.
His Excellency Nikolaos Krikos expressed gratitude to His Eminence Petru for the warm reception and appreciated the Metropolis of Bessarabia’s pastoral work and efforts in shepherding the Orthodox faithful in the Republic of Moldova.
The Greek Embassy in Chișinău was inaugurated on September 16, 2024, in the presence of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Norway also announced its intention this year to open an embassy in Chișinău as a sign of support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
