The Patriarch of Romania, the Metropolitan of Bessarabia and other Romanian hierarchs performed the ordination to the episcopate of the new assistant bishop of the Chișinău Archdiocese during a solemn liturgy held Sunday at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest.
Archimandrite Nectarie Clinic, the former abbot of Sihăstria Putnei Monastery in Suceva County, was elected by the Holy Synod earlier this month as assistant bishop of the Chișinău Archdiocese.
A Historic Moment for the Church in Bessarabia
The ceremony concluded with the reading of the Patriarchal Act of Confirmation by Patriarchal Auxiliary Bishop Varlaam of Ploiești, Secretary of the Holy Synod. Patriarch Daniel then presented the newly ordained bishop with the mantle, staff, and other episcopal insignia.
The Patriarch emphasized the event’s historical significance, noting that 2025 marks not only the 100th anniversary of the Romanian Patriarchate but also the Centennial of the Metropolis of Bessarabia (established May 4, 1925).
“In this historical context, his election and ordination represent not only a recognition of personal worthiness but also a call to a new stage of promoting the eternal values of the Orthodox faith amidst contemporary challenges,” said Patriarch Daniel.
The Romanian Patriarch said that the election of the new hierarch was motivated by the need to intensify pastoral-missionary activity in the Metropolis of Bessarabia.
“There is a need to defend and promote the values of the Orthodox faith, paternal care for parishes and monasteries, supporting Christian culture, protecting and enhancing the church heritage, and paternal love for the clergy and the faithful (…) The many serious problems of today’s society, such as individualism, poverty, fear, aggression, divisions and tensions, call us to work harder to restore and maintain the connection between liturgy and philanthropy, between prayer and action, between spiritual life and social co-responsibility.”
Call for Unity and Stability in Bessarabia
His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia expressed his gratitude and joy at the appointment, emphasizing the need for spiritual encouragement and stability in the region.
“We Bessarabians have no other path but unity,” he declared, calling for strengthening church ties beyond state borders.
“This Calling Is a Cross” – Bishop Nectarie
In his first remarks as bishop, His Grace Assistant Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania expressed humility and a sense of deep responsibility.
“This calling is not a moment of worldly glory but a cross, a service, and a great responsibility before Christ and His Church,” he said.
He pledged to serve “this deeply afflicted people with sacrifice and love” and asked for prayers to help him fulfil his mission.
“I do not place my trust in myself, but in Christ, who has placed this cross on my shoulders,” he added, quoting Saint Ephrem the Syrian: “Lord, do not leave me alone in the hour of trial, but come and fill my weakness with Your grace and power.”
A Role Vacant Since 2018
The election of Bishop Nectarie took place on February 5, 2025. He assumes the position of Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău, which has been vacant since 2018 when Bishop Antonie was elected Bishop of Bălți.
Check out more pictures from the event in our Photo Gallery section.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
