Metropolis of Bessarabia

Two bishops nominated for election as Metropolitan of Bessarabia

Two candidates for the office of Metropolitan of Bessarabia were nominated on Saturday, following the proceedings of the Metropolitan Synod convened in Chișinău. Following consultations and a secret ballot, the members of the Synod proposed His Grace Bishop Antonie of Bălți and His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia as candidates for the office. After…

Jun 23, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Diaconia reached 70 communities and mobilised 1,200 volunteers in Republic of Moldova last year

The Social Mission Diaconia expanded its activities across the Republic of Moldova throughout 2025, reaching 70 communities and mobilising more than 1,200 volunteers. The social service arm of the Metropolis of Bessarabia supported 26,564 beneficiaries last year through 18 projects. According to the annual report, Diaconia volunteers responded to local community needs, while community centres…

Jun 17, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolis of Bessarabia launches mobile educational program for children across Republic of Moldova

The Social Mission Diaconia of the Metropolis of Bessarabia has launched the sixth edition of its Ludobus – Messenger of Electrical Safety project, which will bring educational activities to children in ten localities across the Republic of Moldova this summer. The Ludobus is a minibus equipped with a mobile library of creative games that travels…

Jun 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Synod accepts retirement of Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia

On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church convened for a working session in the “Patriarch Teoctist” Aula Magna of the Patriarchal Palace, under the chairmanship of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel. The Holy Synod approved the retirement of Metropolitan Petru Păduraru from his ministry as Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of…

Jun 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru seeks retirement; Metropolitan Teofan named interim head of Bessarabia

Regarding the situation in the Metropolis of Bessarabia, we wish to clarify that on 27 May 2026, His Eminence Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău and Metropolitan of Bessarabia, submitted his request to retire from the ministry of Archbishop and Metropolitan due to age, health considerations, and for the good of the Church. The request will…

Jun 1, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

First church in Bessarabia dedicated to Saint Blandina of Iași consecrated in Cimișlia

The first church in Bessarabia dedicated to Saint Blandina of Iași was consecrated on Sunday in Cimișlia, the Republic of Moldova. The church is also placed under the protection of Saint Nicholas and Saint Eudokia. The consecration service and Divine Liturgy were celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia together with Archbishop Casian of the Lower…

May 26, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan of Bessarabia sends birthday message to Moldova’s President Maia Sandu

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia and Exarch of the Territories sent a congratulatory message on Sunday to Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the occasion of her birthday. “The anniversary you mark today offers the natural opportunity to express our appreciation for the efforts with which you serve the Republic of Moldova at a time when our…

May 25, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolis of Bessarabia proclaims local canonisation of Saint Blandina of Iași

The Metropolis of Bessarabia held the local proclamation of the canonisation of Saint Blandina the Confessor of Iași at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Chișinău on Saturday. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia together with Archbishop Casian of the Lower Danube, Bishops Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia,…

May 25, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Saint Dionysius of Colciu commemorated for first time in Metropolis of Bessarabia after canonisation

The feast of Saint Dionysius of Colciu was celebrated for the first time since his canonisation on Sunday in the Metropolis of Bessarabia. On this occasion, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia at the Annunciation Parish, the metropolitan metochion in the locality of Sculeni, Republic of Moldova. A fragment of the…

May 12, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru marks 101 years since Chișinău Archdiocese elevated to Metropolis

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia issued a message on Monday marking 101 years since the Archdiocese of Chișinău was elevated to the rank of Metropolis through legislative acts confirmed by Royal Decree. “This anniversary recalls the foundation of the sacrificial altar in Bessarabia, built upon the labour, patience and fidelity to truth of our…

May 5, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

New church consecrated in Republic of Moldova as Metropolitan Petru praises love for God’s house

A new church was consecrated on Saturday in Cornești, Republic of Moldova, where Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia celebrated the Divine Liturgy and underscored the significance of the occasion, saying: “May God protect those who love His house.” His Eminence highlighted the enduring value of works undertaken for God and for the community. “All our work,…

Apr 29, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu