Tens of thousands of people gathered in the Moldovan capital, Chisinau, on Sunday in support of the country’s pro-Western government. On this occasion, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia addressed the citizens, urging unity and determination.

Thank you for believing Moldova. Keep strong, hold steady. We will not let you down.

Addressing the 70,000 people who flooded the streets of Chișinău today to reaffirm Moldova's European future.@Europarl_EN stands with you 🇪🇺🇲🇩 pic.twitter.com/bnOu1MM0aY

— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) May 21, 2023

Metropolitan Petru urged to support and promote the European path of the Republic of Moldova “in the interest and for the well-being of all the citizens of this country blessed by God.”

“We will pray to increase dialogue and collaboration with our European partners, thus supporting the process of European integration,” the Metropolitan noted in a message published on Sunday.

Metropolitan of Bessarabia’s pro-EU message: full text

Beloved believers from the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Exarchate of the Territories,

Today, at a crucial moment for our European future, I turn to you to urge you to show as a people our precise determination to be part of the European family.

The “European Moldova” National Assembly convened today in Chisinau, where we are all called to participate, represents an extraordinary opportunity to make our voice known and desire to embrace European spiritual, moral and cultural values.

We hope that European integration is the path we must follow to ensure a more prosperous and bright future for all our children.

By strengthening democracy, promoting human rights and implementing the necessary reforms, we can build a fairer, more equitable society, more open to the world and closer to God.

Joining the European community is not only a political objective. Still, it represents our deep aspiration to align ourselves with European countries’ living conditions and contribute to our region’s consolidation of peace, stability and prosperity.

It is an opportunity to benefit from the support and experience of the European community in various fields, such as economy, education, health, environment and many others.

Today, in a show of unity and determination, let us express our desire to be part of the European community openly and without hesitation, supporting the country’s leaders who are making significant efforts in this regard.

Let us show that we are a nation determined and dedicated to ideals, ready to assume our responsibilities and contribute to building a stronger and more united society.

As Metropolitan of Bessarabia and Exarch of the Territories, I urge you to support and promote the European path of the Republic of Moldova in the interest and for the well-being of all the citizens of this God-blessed country.

We will pray to increase dialogue and collaboration with our European partners, thus supporting the process of European integration.

Today, I urge each of you to manifest your voice and be heard. Let us unite in a strong statement and send a clear message that we are determined to be part of the European community.

Let us show determination and commitment in realizing our shared dream – a developed Moldova in which our national values and our Romanian cultural identity intertwine with the European ones.

I invite you to participate in as large a number as possible in the “European Moldova” National Assembly and show your support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova.

Let us be a united and determined force in this endeavour. Let us be proud of our traditions and ensure our descendants live in peace and prosperity with a deep faith in European Moldova.

With confidence in a blessed future,
♱ Petru
Archbishop of Chișinău,
Mitropolitan of Bessarabia and Exarch of the Territories

Photography courtesy of Facebook / Metropolis of Bessarabia