Chișinău, November 12, 2025
The Holy Synod of the Moldovan Orthodox Church issued a statement yesterday, responding to provocative and denigrating messages circulating in public discourse.
The hierarchs express deep concern over attacks on its character and warn against repeating failed attempts in neighboring countries to outlaw Orthodox Churches.
The Synod emphasizes that the Moldovan Orthodox Church is not a “Russian Church” but belongs to all people living in Moldova regardless of ethnicity or language. It also stresses the Church’s canonical independence, granted through a 1994 Tomos from the Moscow Patriarchate, and states it has never opposed Moldova’s chosen development path.
Nevertheless, the Church has been increasingly marginalized and persecuted since the start of the war in Ukraine, and there have been numerous calls for the Church to be banned.
The Synod, on the other hand, calls on clergy and faithful to remain united in faith and peace, while urging state officials and opinion leaders to show mutual respect and discernment to avoid deepening social tensions.
The Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova takes note with deep concern of unfriendly and denigrating statements against the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
Our Church considers these actions unjustified, unfounded, and dangerous for the spiritual unity of the people of the Republic of Moldova. In this context, the Synod makes the following clarifications:
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The Orthodox Church of Moldova is not a “Russian Church,” but is the Church of all people living in the Republic of Moldova, composed of believers of different ethnicities. It is open to all, regardless of language spoken, political affiliation, or cultural choice. In our places of worship, people of all ages and social categories pray together, united by faith in Christ and love for neighbor, whatever values they profess or political choices they have.
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The Orthodox Church of Moldova is free and independent in its governance, according to the tomos of independence issued in 1994 by the Moscow Patriarchate, which recognized its full autonomy in organization and pastoral care. From then until today, the Metropolitanate of Chișinău and All Moldova has carried out its canonical, pastoral, and social activity in full respect for the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and in the spirit of the Gospel.
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The Orthodox Church of Moldova has never positioned itself against the path of development chosen by our state. The Church’s mission is strictly spiritual, focused on the pastoral care of believers, supporting those in need, and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Savior.
The Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova calls on all clergy and faithful to remain united in faith, peace, and prayer, and on representatives of state institutions, politicians, and opinion leaders to show mutual respect and discernment, so as not to deepen tensions in society, but to contribute to preserving peace, stability, and harmony in the Republic of Moldova.
We consider these unfriendly statements dangerous for unity and social peace. We call on all Christians to be witnesses and preachers of peace, unity, and love in a society that needs understanding, solidarity, and love more than ever, not division and hatred.
At the same time, we recall that similar experiences in the neighboring country, where attempts were made to outlaw the Orthodox Church, ended in failures and profound social upheavals. The Republic of Moldova should not repeat the mistakes of others, but rather preserve our balance and wisdom, for the common good of our people.
The Orthodox Church of Moldova has been, is, and will remain at home, in the midst of its people, serving them with love, prayer, and responsibility, to the glory of God and the good of our country.
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