Republic of Moldova

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 of Bessarabia’s Christmas Message to the Faithful

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia delivered a video message to the faithful in the Republic of Moldova, who celebrate the Nativity of the Lord according to the unrevised calendar. “The Nativity of the Infant Christ reminds us that God came into the world to dispel the darkness of sin and guide us on the…

Jan 6, 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

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

Romanian historical communities begin Nativity Fast according to Old Calendar

The Nativity Fast begins on Thursday in most Romanian historical communities following the unrevised calendar. While Romanians in Romania commemorate St. Stephen the Younger and St. Irinarch on this day, most Romanians beyond the borders honour St. Paisius Velichkovsky of Neamț and Saints Gurias, Samonas and Habibus. Key feast days differ for those observing the old calendar.…

Nov 28, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Collaboration protocol signed between Metropolis of Bessarabia and Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs

His Eminence Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia and Adrian Efros, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, signed a collaboration protocol last Friday to support religious activities. The two institutions committed to promoting moral-spiritual education and providing religious assistance to the employees of the ministry’s subordinate structures, as stated on the official website…

Nov 19, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

Philanthropy representatives from the Romanian Patriarchate gather in Chișinău for prayer and interdisciplinary discussions

On Monday evening, the General Assembly of the Romanian Patriarchate’s Filantropia Federation gathered in Chișinău and was marked by a Te Deum service at the chapel of the Eparchial Center. Key attendees included Father Ciprian Ioniță, Patriarchal Advisor and President of the Filantropia Federation; clergy from the Metropolis of Bessarabia; social advisors from various dioceses…

Nov 13, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu