“The Independence That Unites Us. Moldova-35.” Metropolitans Antonie, Vladimir open to dialogue between two Orthodox Churches of Moldova

Metropolitan of Bessarabia, His Eminence Antonie, and Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, His Eminence Vladimir, have expressed their willingness to launch a direct institutional dialogue between the two Orthodox Metropolises of Moldova. The discussion took place at the Moldovan Presidency today, on the sidelines of the solemn meeting dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of Independence.

The two hierarchs discussed the need for direct and constant communication between the two church structures, in a context in which the relations between Orthodox communities of Moldova have in recent years been marked by tensions and misunderstandings.

“His Eminence Father Antonie held an open discussion with His Eminence Father Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, on the need to initiate an institutional dialogue between the two Orthodox Metropolitan Sees that carry out their activity in Moldova. The two hierarchs expressed their readiness to make efforts to establish direct and constant communication. The format of future meetings, the priority topics and the directions of possible cooperation are to be determined on the coming period. This openness to dialogue is an important signal in a church context marked by tensions that have affected clergy, parish communities and relations between believers. Direct and responsible communication can help overcome misunderstandings and strengthen ecclesial and social peace,” reads a press release by the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia.





Metropolitan Antonie also praised the cooperation between the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chisinau, especially in the social and philanthropic field.

“The Metropolitan expressed his gratitude for the openness shown by the Roman Catholic Church towards Romanian Orthodox communities in the West, among which there are many believers from Bessarabia. By making places of worship available, they are given the opportunity to participate in the Holy Liturgy and to preserve their faith, language and relation with the ancestral Church, even far from their native places,” the press release also reads.





At the end of the meeting, Metropolitan Antonie held talks with state officials, diplomats and representatives of various institutions and organizations, reaffirming the willingness of the Metropolitan See of Bessarabia to contribute to social dialogue and the common good.





Today, the parliament convened at a solemn meeting dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the proclamation of the Independence of the Republic of Moldova.

The meeting brought together representatives of Parliament, the Presidency, the Government, as well as of the Public Association, Parliament of Independence. As part of the event, a Book of Honor was opened, in which participants can record messages and reflections on the affirmation and consolidation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova over the past 35 years. Subsequently, the Book of Honor will be displayed in parliament, so that the general public can put down  messages.