Hierarch of Moldovan Orthodox Church spoke out against LGBT agenda amid allegations of election meddling

Archbishop Markell of Balti and Falesti, one of the leading hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, made a sharp statement opposing the imposition of the LGBT agenda in the European Union. His comments came ahead of parliamentary elections amid accusations against the Church of Russian attempts to influence the outcome.

In his comments to Reuters, Archbishop Markell made a clear distinction between the cultural and ideological aspects of European integration. «Toa cultural, Christian Europe I say yes.Toa gay Europe I say no,» he said, emphasizing that he considers LGBT propaganda «the worst sin.»

These statements were made on the eve of parliamentary elections on September 28, which may determine Moldova’s future geopolitical course. Against this background, Reuters accused the Russian Orthodox Church of trying to influence the will of citizens. According to the agency, during the pilgrimage in 2024, Moldovan priests were allegedly given debit cards of the Russian state bank.

Archbishop Markell categorically rejected these accusations, calling them groundless. According to him, the bank cards were intended solely for the clergy to purchase religious paraphernalia in church shops during pilgrimages. He believes that talk of Russian interference is a fabrication designed to cover up the Moldovan authorities’ inability to meet the needs of voters. Earlier, Moldovan President Maia Sandu made similar accusations against the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church.

We shall remind you that the day before we reported that the hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, Archbishop of Balti and Falesti Markell spoke at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where he stated that the rights of the PCM believers were violated by the authorities of the country. In his address, he mentioned political pressure, restriction of freedom of movement and attempts to seize church property, calling on the international community to pay attention to the situation.