Metropolis of Bessarabia

Holy Synod elects Archimandrite Nectarie Clinci as Assistant Bishop of Chișinău Archdiocese

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church elected Archimandrite Nectarie Clinci, abbot of Sihăstria Putnei Monastery, as Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău on Wednesday evening. The newly appointed bishop will bear the title “His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Bogdania, Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău.” With his election, the Metropolis of…

Feb 6, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Moldova Census reveals Orthodox majority, rising urbanization, and aging demographics

The National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova has released the preliminary results of the 2024 Population Census, conducted last year. The data shows that while 95% of the population identifies as Orthodox Christian, the country’s total population has decreased by nearly 14% compared to the previous census conducted a decade ago. Another…

Jan 31, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Historic invitation: Romanian Patriarch may visit Republic of Moldova for first time

The hierarchs of the Metropolis of Bessarabia have expressed their desire for the Romanian Patriarch to visit the Republic of Moldova. This could mark the first visit of a Romanian Patriarch beyond the Prut River. The invitation was formalized following the Metropolitan Synod held Thursday in Chişinău. The Synod expressed its intention to officially invite…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Local Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia charts path for 2025

The Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened Thursday for a working session chaired by His Eminence Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chişinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. Joining him were Bishop Antonie of Bălți and Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, as the Synod delved into key matters concerning the spiritual, pastoral,…

Jan 17, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru highlights the Church’s role in preserving national identity on National Culture Day

On Wednesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia delivered a message to mark the National Culture Day, emphasizing that this celebration transcends geographical boundaries and unites both banks of the Prut River “in a single spirit of Romanian identity and Orthodox spirituality.” How the Church preserved national identity The Metropolitan of Bessarabia highlighted the pivotal…

Jan 16, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru urges kindness, aid, and prayer for the needy in his Christmas encyclical

“Let us offer those in need a kind word, material aid, or a prayer, fulfilling the words of the Savior: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me,’” urged Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia in his pastoral letter for the celebration of the Nativity of…

Jan 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop of Southern Bessarabia’s Christmas pastoral letter: A call to compassion and unity

In his pastoral letter for Christmas, which is celebrated in the Metropolis of Bessarabia on January 7 according to the unrevised Julian calendar, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia urged believers to embody God’s compassionate love for those in suffering. “Let us become the hands of God’s merciful love for our neighbors in distress, and like…

Jan 1, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Spiritual Support for Prisoners: Metropolis of Bessarabia and Romanian Embassy donate books to Chișinău Penitentiary

Last week, the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Romanian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova made a donation of spiritual and Romanian literature books to Penitentiary No. 9 – Pruncul in Chișinău. A congratulatory and blessing message from Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia was conveyed by Hieromonk Gurie Dumbrava, who expressed gratitude to the staff of…

Dec 31, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia attends Inauguration of President Maia Sandu of Moldova

On Tuesday, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Basarabia attended the presidential inauguration of Her Excellency Maia Sandu as President of the Republic of Moldova. The event took place at the Palace of the Republic in Chișinău during a joint session of the Parliament and the Constitutional Court, in the presence of over 500 guests. Metropolitan…

Dec 24, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

On this day in 1992, the Metropolis of Bessarabia was reactivated by the Holy Synod

Thirty-two years ago, on December 19, 1992, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church officially acknowledged the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia. This autonomous metropolis, based in Chișinău, became integral to the Romanian Orthodox Church. The decision to reactivate the Metropolis of Bessarabia was made by clergy and faithful gathered at the Archdiocesan…

Dec 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru’s message on behalf of Moldovan believers: Gratitude for Patriarch Daniel

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Patriarch Daniel’s name day, emphasizing that on the feast of the Holy Prophet Daniel, “all the clergy and faithful people of Bessarabia turn their hearts and minds, filled with gratitude and love,” towards His Beatitude. “We, together with all the servants of the…

Dec 17, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu