His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia issued a message of gratitude and joy to mark 33 years since the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia.
In his message, Metropolitan Petru stressed that the anniversary represents far more than the commemoration of an administrative decision, describing it instead as the acknowledgement of a sacred work undertaken to heal a deep wound in Romanian ecclesiastical life.
“This anniversary is not limited to recalling an administrative act, but reminds us of the assumption of a holy work, forged through sacrifice, patience and faith, through which a deep wound in the Romanian Church’s life in this region began to be healed in truth and communion,” the metropolitan noted.
Metropolitan Petru expressed gratitude and respect for the members of the Diocesan Assembly in Chișinău who petitioned the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church for the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia.
“Many of them endured alongside us persecution, marginalisation and hostility, both from the regimes of the time and from fellow servants who did not then understand what sacrifice for our forebears, for national identity, for language and for the spiritual values of this blessed land truly meant,” he said.
Wounds of Orthodoxy in Bessarabia will be healed
The Metropolitan also paid tribute to the priests he described as “worthy, diligent and devoted to the people”, noting that they have succeeded in gathering around them strong, responsible communities that bear witness to the truth.
“Together, as in a true spiritual family, clergy and faithful labour to live and proclaim the Gospel through steadfast liturgical service, mission, culture, philanthropy and social involvement, remaining close to all people and present within the concrete realities of contemporary society,” Metropolitan Petru added.
Looking ahead, he expressed hope and confidence in the Metropolis of Bessarabia’s future mission.
“We look forward with hope and responsibility, aware that much remains to be accomplished for the glory of God and the good of the faithful people.”
“At the same time, we are confident that the wounds still borne by Orthodoxy in Bessarabia will be healed, and that the Metropolis of Bessarabia will continue to remain the sole testimony of Romanian canonical and ecclesial continuity, of fidelity to Orthodox values, and of the mission to serve God and people with discernment and sacrificial love,” the metropolitan concluded.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
