Culture minister calls for calm in conflict over church in central Moldova settlement

The tensions in the village of Dereneu, central Calarasi district, generated by the dispute over the right of use of the Dormition of Mother of God church, today were commented by Minister of Culture Cristian Jardan, before the government meeting, where he called for calm and respect for court rulings.

The minister stressed that this is about “two communities of Orthodox Christians in the same village, a small village, which, regardless of political involvement, will have to continue living in the same village.” The official reiterated that all enforceable decisions must be observed by both sides, and where there are ongoing court cases, the final ruling of the court must be awaited.

“I urge calm, tranquility and respect for the law, exactly as it is. I do not believe that children should be involved in such a dispute. We must avoid at all costs the involvement of children,” Cristian Jardan said.

Asked what concrete measures the institution he heads will take to prevent conflicts between religious communities, the minister said that any external intervention risks aggravating the situation.

“Every trip by someone from outside only serves to worsen this situation. There are courts, there is a law that must be observed,” he noted, adding that violence and quarrels did not represent a solution.

The dispute over the right of use of the church has been ongoing for more years. On November 5, 2019, the Ministry of Culture and the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia concluded a free‑use contract for a term of 50 years, with the documents subsequently registered in the Real Estate Register.

At the same time, the action initiated in 2019 by the Metropolitan See of Moldova for recognition of the right of use was irrevocably rejected by the Chisinau Court of Appeal on June 28, 2023, and the solution was upheld by the Supreme Court of Justice under a ruling from June 12, 2025.

According to the Supreme Court’s decision of June 21, 2024, the right of free use and possession of the building is legally constituted on the basis of the 2019 contract, and any contrary claims have been rejected as unfounded.

On February 1, 2026, more locals who contest the parish’s transition to the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia attempted to force their way into the church, but the police restricted their access on the basis of the irrevocable decision of the Supreme Court. The police say that their mission is to ensure public order and the safety of citizens and urge the population to avoid actions that may generate further provocations or tensions.