PHOTO // Metropolitan of Bessarabia reaffirms support for Moldova’s European integration at meeting with EU ambassador

Metropolitan of Bessarabia, His Eminence Father Antonie has reaffirmed the support of the Romanian Orthodox Church of Bessarabia for the European integration of Moldova. He emphasized the importance of respecting religious freedom, redressing historical injustices and protecting ecclesiastical heritage. The subjects were discussed at a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Moldova Iwona Piórko, held at the headquarters of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia in Chisinau on October 16.

His Eminence Father Antonie said that Moldova’s rapprochement with the European Union must be reflected in respect for citizens’ rights, equal application of the law and the protection of the identity and freedom of religious communities. The hierarch emphasized that the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia supported the country’s European path, viewing it as an opportunity to consolidate a state in which faith and identity are respected.

“Particular attention was paid to religious disinformation and the use of faith to fuel hostility toward Europe. His Eminence signaled the messages promoted by certain individuals affiliated with the ecclesiastical structure of the Moscow Patriarchate, through which the European Union is portrayed as hostile to Christianity, tradition and the family. In the hierarch’s opinion, such narratives instrumentalize religious beliefs, deepen mistrust, and contribute to making society more vulnerable to propaganda,” a press release of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia reads.





The Metropolitan of Bessarabia requested support for developing information and education tools, as well as for strengthening institutional cooperation aimed at combating propaganda and defending freedom of conscience.

“In this perspective, defending freedom of conscience and cultivating public discernment represent a contribution to the stability of Moldova and to its resilience in the face of external interference,” the Metropolitan emphasized.





An important topic of the discussions concerned ecclesiastical property confiscated during the Soviet period and the need to redress historical injustices. The Metropolitan of Bessarabia drew attention to the differences in treatment between the two Orthodox metropolitan sees of Moldova and stressed that the legal recognition of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia must be accompanied by concrete solutions to property-related issues.

In the context, the hierarch highlighted the efforts to provide a headquarters for the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia, including previous discussions with President Maia Sandu and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu on the possibility of using the building of the former Theological Seminary. According to the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia, the identification of another building, promised after difficulties arose concerning the relocation of the National Library’s rare book collection, has not materialized to date.

At the meeting, the sides also addressed the situation of places of worship with historical monument status, in the context of litigation concerning contracts concluded by the Culture Ministry with the Metropolitan See of Moldova in 2003 and 2008. Metropolitan Antonie advocated clarifying the legal situation and respecting the rights of parish communities. The case of the church in Dereneu was also mentioned, where, according to the hierarch’s statements, the community continues to face difficulties in exercising its right to use its place of worship.





For her part, EU Ambassador Iwona Piórko welcomed the openness of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia to dialogue and cooperation, as well as its contribution to promoting peace and stability.

According to the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova, the discussions addressed the vital role of religious communities in promoting unity and resilience in a modern society.

“EU support for Moldova—provided through humanitarian assistance, cultural heritage preservation and social development—is in line with the Orthodox Church’s commitment to education, charitable activities and community solidarity,” the EU Delegation said in a message posted on social media.

The diplomat highlighted the role of religious communities in preserving traditions, identity and social solidarity, noting that cherishing the family and Christian heritage is compatible with European values.





The Metropolitan of Bessarabia reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to contributing to the good of society and supporting the European path of Moldova, while continuing efforts to respect the rights of its communities and resolve property-related issues.

The hierarch recalled the decisive role of European human rights protection mechanisms. In its judgment of December 13, 2001, the European Court of Human Rights found a violation of religious freedom in the case of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia, paving the way for its legal recognition. This experience explains the institution’s deep trust in European protection of dignity and freedom, the statement of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia also reads.