Church of Moldova bans 4 clerics who defected to Romanian Patriarchate
Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau. Photo: ru.publika.md
On 22 August 2023, the Primate of the Moldovan Orthodox Church Metropolitan Vladimir banned 4 priests from ministry, the official website of the Church of Moldova reports.
The decrees signed by Metropolitan Vladimir say that the priests are banned from ministry "in connection with the non-canonical withdrawal from the Chisinau Eparchy of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, disobedience to the highest church authorities, as well as for the violation of the oath given at ordination".
The priests in question are Archpriest Teodor Pelin, Archpriest Vasile Enachi, Archpriest Ioan Gangan and Archpriest Ioan Solonaru.
The priests were relieved of the rectorship in the churches where they had served before and deprived of their right to perform divine services "until they fully repent to the hierarchy and return to the clergy of the Orthodox Church of Moldova".
The final decision on the anti-canonical actions of the banned clerics will be made by the Synod of the Moldovan Orthodox Church.
The priests themselves claim that they, together with their parishioners, decided to leave the Moldovan Metropolis and join the Bessarabian Eparchy of the Romanian Patriarchate.
The reason for this decision, according to the priests, is allegedly that the Metropolis demands payment of "excessive fees" and that some clerics support Russia in the war with Ukraine.
Representatives of the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Patriarchate claim that the decrees issued by Metropolitan Vladimir are not valid. The reason is that the priests long ago moved to the Metropolis of Bessarabia together with their parishes.
As earlier reported, according to the head of the Moldovan Metropolis, relations with the authorities have significantly worsened.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.