The Bessarabian Metropolis Is Establishing a Parallel Hierarchy in Moldova

The Synod of the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Church has officially nominated two candidates for the vacant position of Bishop of Bălți. The choice fell on Archimandrite Nicodim Petre and Archimandrite Dosofteu Dižmarescu, whose nominations will now be submitted to the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church for consideration. It is noteworthy that, in doing so, the Romanian Patriarchate is effectively creating a parallel hierarchy, thereby openly escalating tensions with the Orthodox Church of Moldova, which is the dominant Orthodox denomination in the country.

It is reported that the decision was made during a meeting in Chisinau chaired by Metropolitan Anthony of Bessarabia. The selection process included open consultations and a secret ballot, after which the candidates were unanimously endorsed by the Diocesan Assembly of Bălți. Archimandrite Nicodim Petre is known for his work in the Archdiocese of Iași and his long-standing support for missionary activities in Tanzania. Archimandrite Dosoftei Dižmărescu, for his part, serves as the cultural exarch of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți and is a member of the monastic community of Putna Monastery.

During the meeting, members of the Diocesan Assembly expressed their gratitude to Metropolitan Anthony for his contribution to the development of church life in northern Moldova, noting his active support for parishes, his assistance in the construction of churches, and his promotion of charitable projects. The faithful expressed their hope that the new bishop would continue the initiatives already underway and strengthen missionary work in the region.

As a reminder, earlier, Archbishop Markell of Bălți and Fălești, a hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, appealed to the residents of Moldova to remain vigilant regarding the activities of an organization known as the “Bessarabian Metropolis.” The bishop called this organization “schismatic” and expressed his categorical protest against its attempts to seize church property within the country, particularly in the city of Bălți.