Republic of Moldova

Romanian ambassador visits bishop in Republic of Moldova, backs identity and faith projects

His Grace Bishop Veniamin received the Romanian Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, on Thursday for talks focused on support for Romanian communities, cultural identity, and church projects in southern Bessarabia. The bishop thanked the ambassador for his attention to Romanians in the region and for supporting identity-related initiatives, stressing the importance of…

Apr 24, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Republic of Moldova marks 1946-47 Soviet famine victims as bishop urges unity and remembrance

The third Saturday of April is dedicated in the Republic of Moldova to commemorating the victims of the 1946–1947 famine, during which more than 200,000 people died. On this occasion, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia said the suffering of that time can be fully understood only in the light of Christ. He stressed that remembering…

Apr 20, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Orthodox faithful gather in Chisinau for Resurrection service led by Metropolitan Petru

Numerous faithful gathered for the Feast of the Resurrection at the “Saint John Jacob the New Chozebite” Church in Chisinau, where the service was officiated by Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia. At midnight, the Holy Fire was distributed, followed by a procession around the church and the solemn proclamation of the Resurrection. During the service, the…

Apr 15, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Republic of Moldova charity campaign collects nearly 100 tonnes of food ahead of Easter

Nearly 100 tonnes of food have been collected in the Republic of Moldova through the “Meal of Joy” campaign, which aims to support vulnerable people ahead of Easter. The annual national food collection drive, organised on Lazarus Saturday by the Social Mission “Diaconia”, reached its 17th edition this year and recorded a new high, according…

Apr 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabian hierarchs back charity drive as Church and volunteers mobilise aid for vulnerable

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia met on Saturday with teams involved in organising the 2026 “Meal of Joy” national charity campaign in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting philanthropy as an authentic expression of faith. He conveyed a message of blessing and gratitude to the Social Mission “Diaconia” of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, the Moldova Food Bank,…

Apr 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Church leaders, public figures in Republic of Moldova urge support for national charity drive

Bishops of the Metropolis of Bessarabia have called on the faithful to take part in the national collection campaign “Meal of Joy”, set to take place on Saturday in Chișinău and more than 40 localities across the Republic of Moldova. The collection marks the culmination of a campaign launched in March and aims to support…

Apr 3, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Czech Ambassador highlights role of Southern Bessarabia Diocese during visit to Cahul

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of Moldova, Jaromír Plíšek, highlighted the role of the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia in community life during an official visit last Friday to the diocesan centre in Cahul. His Excellency was accompanied by Daniela Dragalin, development projects coordinator at the Embassy. The delegation was welcomed by…

Mar 31, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabian clergy and intellectuals increasingly see future with Romania, says Metropolitan Petru

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia said on Friday that there is growing conviction among intellectuals, cultural figures and Church servants in the Republic of Moldova that Bessarabia’s destiny lies in communion with Romania, as the 108th anniversary of the Union was marked. “We observe with great joy that, in the conscience of intellectuals in the Republic…

Mar 28, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Basarabia Metropolis approves Akathist to St Blandina, sets canonisation proclamation in Chisinau

Hierarchs of the Metropolis of Bessarabia met in a working session on Thursday at the Metropolitan Residence in Chisinau, where they approved the text of the Akathist to St Blandina of Iași and set the date and location for the local proclamation of her canonisation: 23 May 2026 in Chisinau. The meeting was chaired by…

Mar 13, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Southern Bessarabia bishop prayerfully marks 103rd anniversary of Cetatea Albă–Ismail diocese

His Grace Bishop Veniamin officiated a Te Deum service on Tuesday at the diocesan cathedral in Cahul to mark the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Cetatea Albă–Ismail, whose canonical successor today is the Diocese of Southern Bessarabia. The hierarch recalled the historical context of the diocese’s establishment, noting that the Great…

Mar 11, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox priest in Corby balances parish ministry with construction work

Father Nicolae Bulat combines weekend pastoral ministry with building site work during the week. He serves the parish of St Joseph the Merciful in Corby, UK, which brings together Romanian and Moldovan communities living in the area. The priest told Basilica.ro that the experience helps him better understand the lives and challenges faced by Romanians…

Mar 6, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu