A hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova called on the clergy not to remain indifferent to society's moral problems

Archbishop Markell of Bălți and Fălești criticized the church leadership and clergy for their passive stance on social and moral issues. In his recent address to the diocesan assembly, the hierarch emphasized that the neutrality of Church ministers in the face of the spread of anti-church phenomena is unacceptable and contradicts the Christian calling.

During his speech, Archbishop Markell raised a number of pointed questions regarding the lack of an official response from the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova to such issues, such as the promotion of immorality in school textbooks and recent incidents in churches, which he described as a “satanic invasion.” According to the clergyman, excuses along the lines of “I don’t get involved in politics” have become a form of false humility, behind which lie indifference, fear, and cowardice.

The bishop emphasized that the Church’s inaction only emboldens its opponents. He reminded his colleagues that, according to the Gospel, “the Kingdom of Heaven is taken by force,” and Christ, as a role model, never shied away from the struggle for truth. In concluding his message, the archbishop called on the clergy not to hide behind convenient phrases, but to show courage, asserting that every clergyman bears personal responsibility before God for his position in society.

As a reminder, Metropolitan Vladimir of Chișinău and All Moldova and Metropolitan Anthony, head of the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Patriarchate, recently held an official meeting during which they discussed the prospects for developing dialogue between the two church structures. The event took place on August 26, 2026, at the presidential residence as part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Moldova’s independence.