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.
The Orthodox Church of Moldova urged the Moldovan authorities to stop pressurizing the Church
On September 6, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova published an appeal addressed to the Government of the Republic in connection with the statements of certain politicians about the banning of the OCM according to the Ukrainian scenario. The Synod of the OCM expressed concern over the information about the ban and called to stop the pressure on the Church. The statement is posted on the official website of the OCM.
“We are deeply indignant at the position of some state structures engaged in intimidation of priests. Representatives of law enforcement agencies come to priests’ homes and force them to sign various incomprehensible statements. Some hierarchs and clergy have been detained at border checkpoints and subjected to thorough searches without any grounds. Today, the Church is subjected to pressures similar to those of the Soviet Union. The Church and its ministers receive more and more threats,” — the text reads.
The Synod added that the Church has been acting in the interests of the Moldovan people since the day of independence, as it is part of the society. The OCM called on the government to stop the pressure and let the Church fulfill its functions unhindered.
“Since the establishment of the Republic of Moldova, the Moldovan Orthodox Church has stood on the side of the citizens, advocating for the independence and sovereignty of our state. The Metropolitan has also always maintained good relations with our neighbors, which was demonstrated during the first days of the war in Ukraine, when the Church was one of the first to come to the aid of Ukrainian refugees, offering them accommodation in monasteries and all the necessary conditions. We are convinced that in a state governed by the rule of law, where democratic values and freedom of religion are respected, there can be no question of banning a religious institution that makes a significant contribution to the preservation of national values and identity. We call on the state authorities to stop the moral torture of the Church. Otherwise, if these persecutions do not stop, we undertake to put you face to face with the righteous people of Moldova to explain to them why you vehemently criticize the Church of our nation,” — the statement added.
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