On June 16, 2025, the Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened a working session at the Metropolitan Residence in Chișinău. The meeting was presided over by Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Plaiuri, serving as President of the assembly. All hierarchs of the Metropolis participated, including Bishop Antonie of Bălți, Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia , and Bishop Nectarie, Vicar Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chișinău.
The agenda featured over twenty key issues aimed at invigorating the pastoral, liturgical, social, cultural, and educational activities of the Metropolis, within the context of the Centennial anniversary of both the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the Romanian Patriarchate. The Synod resolved to organize a large-scale national commemorative event to highlight the Metropolis’s contribution to preserving and affirming Orthodox faith unity, national consciousness, and Romanian ecclesial dignity in the region between the Prut and Dniester rivers.
During the session, the hierarchs approved a solemn local proclamation date for newly canonized Romanian saints originating from Bessarabia , as recognized by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church. They also decided to initiate a historical and liturgical documentation process concerning the lives and struggles of other confessors, venerable persons, and martyrs from the territory. Proposals for their possible canonization will be submitted to the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church according to ecclesiastical norms.
The Synod also reviewed and evaluated the activity of the Orthodox Theology Faculty branches opened two years ago in Chișinău by the Universities of Iași and Bucharest. The Synod acknowledged the positive formative impact of these academic centers in educating the younger generation of theologians, clergy, and Christian intellectuals. Discussions also included the potential revival of an Orthodox Theological High School Seminary to provide appropriate educational opportunities for youth with theological vocations, in line with the values and principles of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
From an administrative perspective, several regulations concerning the standardization of ecclesiastical distinctions and protocol norms were approved, in accordance with the Statute governing the organization and operation of the Romanian Orthodox Church, as well as Romanian liturgical tradition and practice.
