Archbishop Markell: Romania’s Intervention in Moldova’s Church Affairs Threatens Liturgical Communion of the Patriarchates

Archbishop of Bălți and Fălești Markell expressed concern over the consequences of the Bessarabian schism, which, in his view, is not a church matter but a political project of Romania. “The Bessarabian schism is driven not by the Romanian Church, but by the Romanian state, which seeks to annex the territory of the Republic of Moldova,” the hierarch emphasized. He noted that liturgical communion between the clergy of the two Patriarchates is maintained, but state interference in church affairs threatens the integrity of these relations. This was reported by the publication Nezavisimaya Gazeta (NG).

According to the archbishop, the problems of the Bessarabian Metropolis are exacerbated by the fact that there is “not a single clean priest,” meaning no clergyman without canonical violations during service in the OCM. “And the most frightening thing is that these priests are now accepted into communion by canonical hierarchs of Romania,” Markell stressed, adding that this spreads the Orthodox schism throughout the Romanian Church and harms the entire Orthodox world.

The hierarch expressed hope for the preservation of liturgical communion between the Churches and called for a joint search for solutions without breaking relations. “The break of liturgical communion between our Churches—God forbid. This is the last thing we should do. I would very much like us to jointly seek another way out of this situation,” he said.

Archbishop Markell also highlighted the need for common sense from Romanian hierarchs and recalled the role of the state in complicating the situation. “As long as the secular authorities of Romania interfere in Church affairs, it will be very difficult to resolve this issue. But I hope that reason will prevail and that they will understand the responsibility for the sin of the church schism,” the archbishop emphasized.

It should also be noted that the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and her political force continue to demonstrate a negative attitude towards the Orthodox Church of Moldova, according to political commentator and editor-in-chief of the Tradition portal, Victor Josu. He explained that the critical stance is due to the Chișinău Metropolis maintaining canonical ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.