Metropolis of Bessarabia

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia marks 35 years since episcopal ordination

On the first day of the new church year, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Archbishop of Chișinău and Exarch of the Territories, celebrated 35 years since his episcopal ordination. Elected Bishop of Bălți, he received episcopal ordination on September 1, 1990, at the Cathedral in Chișinău. Extensive service and ministry Metropolitan Petru was born on October…

Sep 2, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia calls for faith and unity in Republic of Moldova’s Independence Day message

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, Exarch of the Territories, marked the Republic of Moldova’s Independence Day on Wednesday with a message urging the faithful to protect freedom through faith, unity, and sacrifice. “On this national holiday, when we celebrate the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova, we give thanks to God…

Aug 28, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Dormition Fast begins on Old Calendar: Traditions from Romania’s border communities to Orthodox faithful worldwide

Most Romanian communities around Romania’s borders, as well as Orthodox faithful in other parts of the world, follow the unrevised calendar and are preparing for the Dormition Fast, which begins on Thursday, August 14. Popularly known as “Saint Mary’s Fast,” it is meant to be quite strict, as it culminates with the Dormition of the…

Aug 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Italian Ambassador visits Metropolis of Bessarabia to strengthen ties and support Diaspora

The Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Moldova, His Excellency Giuseppe Maria Perricone, paid a courtesy and introductory visit on Tuesday to the Metropolis of Bessarabia, where he was received by His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. According to the Metropolis of Bessarabia,…

Aug 13, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Presidents of Romania, Republic of Moldova visit Orthodox parish near Chișinău

Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Moldovan President Maia Sandu visited on Sunday the “Protection of the Mother of God” Church in the village of Ghidighici, near Chișinău. Parish priest Maxim Melinti presented to them the old church, the new church currently under construction—dedicated to the “Transfiguration of the Lord”—and the “Island of Happiness” Social Centre,…

Aug 12, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

First Liturgy honouring newly canonised Bessarabian Hieromartyr Alexander Baltaga held in Călărași

The Holy Hieromartyr Alexander (Baltaga) of Bessarabia was commemorated on Friday for the first time since the local proclamation of his canonisation, in the “Saint Nicholas” Church in Călărași, the Republic of Moldova — the parish where the saint served for 54 years. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia,…

Aug 11, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Veniamin: Soviet atheism and secularism have left society spiritually starved

On the feast of the Prophet Elijah (according to the unrevised calendar), His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia reflected on the spiritual needs of Moldovan society, which he said still suffers from a “hunger for the spiritual” due to decades of Soviet atheism and ongoing secularisation. Bishop Veniamin presided over the Divine Liturgy in…

Aug 7, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Chișinău to hold local canonization ceremony for Bessarabian Saints Heraclius and Alexander on August 3

The local proclamation of the canonisation of Saints Heraclius and Alexander of Bessarabia will take place on August 3 in Chișinău, the Metropolis of Bessarabia has announced. The solemn event will follow the hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated at the “Holy Apostles Peter and Paul” Church in the capital of the Republic of Moldova. The local…

Jul 25, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Petru marks Chișinău’s 589th anniversary, calls for spiritual renewal and peace

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia delivered a message on Thursday marking 589 years since the first documented mention of Chișinău. His Eminence underscored that “on this day of deep historical and spiritual resonance, we look with gratitude to the past and with responsibility toward the future.” “Chișinău is not merely a point on the…

Jul 18, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox Church launches anti-domestic violence program in Republic of Moldova

Preventing domestic violence is a priority for the Romanian Patriarchate, the Metropolis of Bessarabia, and the Archdiocese of Roman and Bacău, as demonstrated by a large-scale social-philanthropic project carried out under the auspices of the Diaconia Social Mission of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, in partnership with the Filantropia Federation of the Romanian Patriarchate. Pilot project…

Jul 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu

Bishop Veniamin honors deportees to Siberia at Căușeni Parish feast: We must not forget their sacrifice and suffering

His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Monday at the patronal feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Forerunner Parish in Căușeni, according to the unrevised calendar, and offered prayers for the souls of those deported to Siberia. His Grace Bishop Veniamin spoke about the suffering of the deportees…

Jul 9, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu