His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia sent a message to all Bessarabians on Tuesday to mark the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova.
“On this festive day, we wish to convey our congratulations to all Bessarabian Romanians, both those living on this blessed land and those who, for various reasons, are far away, seeking better living or working conditions,” the Metropolitan of Bessarabia noted.
“Independence Day is a moment of deep reflection on the essential role that the Romanian Orthodox Church has played in preserving and transmitting our linguistic, ethnic, and spiritual identity, starting from the 19th century when this land was painfully torn from the Motherland,” His Eminence continued.
“The bishops, priests, and monastics of Bessarabia were the ones who, with great courage and sacrifice, tirelessly testified to the truth that the people between the Prut and the Dniester are a Romanian people, risking exile, persecution, or martyrdom.”
The Sacrifice of Priests Preserved Romanian Identity
“In the face of persecution, torture, and even martyrdom, they faced the hardships of history with love for the nation, contributing to the awakening of national consciousness, preserving ancestral faith, and strengthening our ties with our brothers beyond the Prut,” added Metropolitan Petru.
“The Metropolis of Bessarabia, which is preparing to celebrate its centennial next year, has always been a pillar of support for our people. With the same evangelical discourse and unwavering pastoral and social care, our Metropolis has been a centre of culture and spirituality, printing books, opening educational institutions, investing in national heritage, building churches and monasteries, and forming personalities who have changed the course of history.”
“Unfortunately, many of those who contributed to these achievements were persecuted, exiled, or even killed, but they never stopped praying and fighting for the freedom and dignity of our people, keeping alive the hope of a national revival,” His Eminence noted.
“After the period of Soviet persecution, when the Orthodox Church in Bessarabia was corrupted by imperialist influences, our clergy, intellectuals, and believers, united in a common will, requested the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia at the Eparchial Assembly on September 14, 1992.”
The Reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia: A Historic Fulfillment
“With the blessing of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, on December 19, 1992, our Metropolis was recognised as an autonomous Metropolis observing the old calendar, integrated into the body of the Romanian Orthodox Church, thus reaffirming canonical continuity and autonomy, free from any foreign influence,” Metropolitan Petru further explained.
“After the Independence of the Republic of Moldova was achieved, the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia was perhaps the greatest national achievement, a result of the prayers and sacrifices made by entire generations of Christians.”
“Today, we look with hope to our future as a nation and country, believing that God will continue to protect us. Despite all the trials we have gone through in the last three decades, the Romanian Orthodox Church in Bessarabia has managed to endure and experience extraordinary dynamics, being in constant ascent,” His Eminence Metropolitan Petru wrote.
“This progress would not have been possible without the support of researchers, intellectuals, clerics, honest politicians, and lovers of the nation and faith, from both sides of the Prut, who have contributed to the awakening of national consciousness, thanks to which more and more Romanians in Bessarabia rediscover the truth of their identity and unite under the banner of faith and spiritual freedom.”
“We, therefore, congratulate all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, both in the country and in the diaspora, reminding you that we have a wonderful country, rich in traditions, values, and resources, aspiring to a place of honour in the great European family. May God enlighten and guide our steps on the path of truth, justice, love of the nation, and the Church,” concluded Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia.
His Eminence added the wish of “Many years to come!” and sent paternal blessings to those he shepherds.
Independence Day, celebrated annually on August 27, is the national day of the Republic of Moldova. The date marks the day the Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union was adopted on August 27, 1991.
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
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