Moldova Metropolis of Bessarabia Patriarch Steps Down Amid Church Split
Church Leadership Change Highlights Deep Divisions
By Alexander Tanas
Background of the Orthodox Church Split in Moldova
CHISINAU, May 31 (Reuters) - The patriarch of one of two competing Orthodox churches in Moldova, a split exposing divisions in the country's international outlook, has resigned and a successor is to be appointed later this week.
Religious Landscape in Moldova
More than 95% of Moldovans adhere to Orthodox Christianity in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania. But parishioners are divided between two churches -- the Moldova Metropolis, subordinate to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which reports to the Romanian church.
Neither has full independence.
Patriarch Petru’s Resignation
Reasons for Stepping Down
The smaller Metropolis of Bessarabia said its 79-year-old patriarch Petru had stepped down, citing "age, my state of health and the need to take decisions in the interests of the church".
Succession Plans
It said a synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church would meet on Wednesday and Thursday to name a successor, with a Romanian cleric assuming the patriarch's duties in the interim.
Historical Context of Church Jurisdiction
Moldova’s Shifting Allegiances
Moldova, at different times, has been part of the Russian Empire, "Greater Romania" and the Soviet Union.
Post-Soviet Developments
Under Soviet rule, the church in Moldova was under the sole jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. After Moldova proclaimed independence in 1991, the defunct Metropolis of Bessarabia was re-established. Petru had led it since 1995.
Impact of the Ukraine War on Moldovan Orthodoxy
Shift in Allegiances
The two churches have competed for parishioners, but the 2022 Russian invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, backed by the Russian Orthodox church hierarchy, prompted some 200 Moldovan priests to shift their allegiance to the Romanian-linked church.
Political Implications
Government Stance
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who has led a drive to join the European Union by 2030, has denounced Russia's invasion and accused the Kremlin of trying to undermine her government.
Analysis of Patriarch’s Resignation
Political analyst Vitalie Andrievschi said there was no reason to believe political considerations lay behind Petru's decision to step down.
Future of Church Jurisdiction in Moldova
"The Metropolis of Bessarabia enjoys good relations with the current Moldovan authorities," he said.
"There are more and more calls in Chisinau for the Moldova Metropolis to follow the example of Ukraine and leave the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church," Andrievschi said.
(Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
