The Russian Orthodox Church criticized statements about the possible ban of the Orthodox Church of Moldova

The Russian Orthodox Church has criticized the statement by Vasile Shoimaru, a deputy of the Moldovan ruling Action and Solidarity Party, about the possible ban of the Orthodox Church of Moldova. Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, advisor to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, believes that such actions of the Moldovan government will lead to serious internal contradictions in the country. This is reported by TASS.

“The result of forceful interference in spiritual matters is always the division of society, the growth of conflicts and confrontations. If the political force, on behalf of which the mentioned deputy speaks, tries to follow the path of unconstitutional violence in the religious field, it will lead to severe consequences for Moldova,” — the Patriarch’s advisor said.

He added that such statements of politicians, prompt the believers of the Orthodox Church of Moldova — for whom it is necessary to vote during the elections.

“On a personal level, MP Shoimaru can certainly renounce any connection with the canonical Orthodox Church of Moldova. At least it will be clear to the believing people that they should vote for other candidates. But it is not given to him to influence the choice of believers themselves, the will of the people”, — noted Archpriest Nikolai Balashov.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that Moldovan President Maia Sandu denied the statement by Vasile Shoimaru, an MP from the ruling Action and Solidarity Party, which supports her, that the authorities intend to close the Orthodox Church of Moldova (OCM), which is a self-governing part of the Russian Orthodox Church, following the example of Ukraine.