Soviet Persecution

Metropolis of Bessarabia marks 34 years since restoration after Soviet rule

Monday marked 34 years since the Diocesan Assembly in Chișinău decided, on 14 September 1992, to reactivate the Metropolis of Bessarabia. The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church noted the decision on 19 December 1992 through a Patriarchal and Synodal Act, recognising it as an autonomous metropolis following the unrevised calendar, an integral part…

Sep 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Bessarabian deportees carried their faith into Soviet exile, Romanian priest says

Fr Viorel Cojocaru, cultural adviser to the Archdiocese of Chișinău, explained in an interview with Doxa how Bessarabians deported from the province during the Soviet period preserved their faith and hope in God amid suffering. The priest said that although they were forced to abandon their homes and possessions, many of those deported “travelled with…

Aug 14, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Romanian Orthodox clergy commemorate victims of 1949 Soviet deportations in Republic of Moldova

Victims of the 1949 Soviet deportations were commemorated on Monday across the Republic of Moldova, marking 77 years since one of the largest waves of Stalinist repression in the region. Memorial services were organised in numerous parishes of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, where clergy, public officials and faithful honoured those who suffered under the communist…

Jul 8, 2026Aurelian Iftimiu

Metropolitan Synod at Chișinău approves memory recovery projects for Soviet-era persecuted clergy

The Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened on Friday in Chișinău under the chairmanship of His Eminence Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Territories. The meeting was attended by His Grace Bishop Antonie of Bălți, His Grace Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia, and His Grace Nectarie of Bogdania, Assistant…

Mar 21, 2025Aurelian Iftimiu