Chișinău, November 13, 2026
Photo: obltv.ru
Priests in the Moldovan Orthodox Church will now need their bishop’s blessing before they go on television or radio to talk about Church life. The requirement is part of a unified set of rules for clergy communication that the Church’s Synod approved on Thursday.
According to the Synodal report, the hierarchs approved establishing a single framework governing public communication by its clergy. It covers print and broadcast media, communication platforms, and social networks.
The statement says clergy must obtain the prior blessing of their ruling bishop before taking part in television or radio programs, debates, interviews, and other public events. The requirement applies when they’ll be addressing topics concerning Church life, the Church’s official position, its teaching, or its activity.
The statement also specifies that only persons authorized by Church leadership may express public positions on behalf of the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
Several other Orthodox jurisdictions have also addressed clergy conduct online and in the media in recent months. In April, the Orthodox Church in America’s Holy Synod of Bishops approved updated social media guidelines for clergy and lay leaders. In July, the Eastern American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia issued a social media and digital conduct policy. In October, the Church of Greece’s Council of Bishops discussed principles for clergy online presence following a presentation by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida. Also in October, the Russian Orthodox Church added a pledge on online conduct to its ordination oath, in which candidates promise not to speak publicly on behalf of the Church without the blessing of the hierarchy.
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