Romanian Church repeats 'Ukrainian scenario' in Moldova, UOC hierarch says

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol drew attention to the expansion of the Romanian Patriarchate in Moldova, which is considered the canonical territory of the Orthodox Church of Moldova (in unity with the Russian Orthodox Church). The hierarch is convinced that the Romanian Church, with the support of the local authorities of Moldova, is implementing the “Ukrainian scenario”, which could subsequently lead to an increasing split in world Orthodoxy. He wrote about this in his Telegram channel.

“What is happening in Moldova largely repeats the ‘Ukrainian scenario’. We are talking about the invasion of one autocephalous Church into the canonical space of another autocephalous Church, the state policy of pressure on the Chisinau-Moldovan Metropolis, the threat of depriving it of its churches and property in favor of the church structure supported by the Romanian side. There is even a direct coincidence in such an aspect as the visits of the Primates of the Churches. In 2021, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople visited Ukraine. In 2025, at the invitation of the Bessarabian Metropolis, Patriarch Daniel of Romania may visit Moldova,” — the bishop reasoned.

The Metropolitan drew an analogy with the Ukrainian church crisis, drawing attention to the fact that when the state favors one denomination, it always affects the welfare of the other.

“We, Orthodox Ukrainians, remember very well what the arrival of the head of Phanar in Kyiv did to the UOC. After him, the persecution of our Church only intensified, becoming more powerful and diverse. The number of church seizures, attacks on clergy and believers, and illegal re-registration of community statutory documents has increased. In addition, we were pushed even more actively to merge with a religious organization oriented toward the Patriarchate of Constantinople. And when we disagreed with the implementation of this scenario, a radical means was used against us — the adoption of a law banning our Church,” — the hierarch added.

The Metropolitan of Zaporizhzhia believes that if a confrontation arises between the Romanian and Moscow Patriarchates over Moldova, this can directly affect Ukraine, because Phanar will take this opportunity to push the Romanian Church to recognize the OCU.

“Whatever the case, we need to realize that the corresponding church expansion in the Moldovan direction will not lead to good. Sooner or later, the situation will “explode”. And a new line of division will emerge. This time between the Romanian and Russian Orthodox Churches. Moreover, some forces would be happy if this scenario became a reality. After all, in this case, for example, the chances of convincing the Romanian side of the need to recognize the legitimacy of the legalization of the Ukrainian schism by Phanar increase,” — he believes.

Earlier, we reported that the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Church continues to develop on the territory of Moldova, provoking a conflict with the local Orthodox Church of Moldova. This time, the head of the Bessarabian Metropolitanate, Metropolitan Peter (Peduraru), signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova.