The Diocese of Southern Bessarabia recorded visible pastoral growth throughout 2025, alongside greater involvement of young people in diocesan life.
Figures in the diocese’s annual activity report point to an encouraging development: 889 baptisms, 350 weddings and 870 funerals were recorded, with the number of those entering the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism exceeding the number of those who passed away.
Active participation of young people
“More young people have drawn closer to the Church and have come to understand that we all belong to the Church and must respond to God’s call, as members of the Body of Christ,” the report states.
Youth engagement was one of the most visible priorities of 2025. More than 500 young people from the Republic of Moldova and Romania took part in the Cahul Orthodox Youth Meeting in August. The event featured a wide-ranging programme including liturgical services, cultural activities and dialogue sessions.
In a message addressed to the participants, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia said the gathering aimed:
“to bring together for a few days talented and courageous young people from across the Romanian-speaking world, to bear good witness to the faith and values they share, to encourage other young people to remain dignified in the face of the world’s challenges, steadfast in faith, and witnesses to the Absolute Truth — which is Christ.”
Meanwhile, the “Saint Basil the Great” Educational Centre in Cahul involved 253 children in non-formal educational activities and academic support programmes.
Growth in churches and parishes
On the administrative and pastoral front, 2025 also saw an increase in the number of parishes and churches.
According to the report, seven churches were consecrated last year, while nine places of worship and three monasteries are currently under construction. In addition, 12 parishes have planned projects for building new churches.
Across the diocese, 116 clergy serve in more than 90 parishes organised into seven deaneries, alongside monasteries and other church institutions.
Photo: Facebook / ITO Basarabia de Sud
