On September 1, 2025, the Metropolitan Synod of the Metropolis of Bessarabia convened at the Metropolitan Residence in Chișinău, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of His Eminence Metropolitan Petru, Archbishop of Chișinău, Metropolitan of Bessarabia, and Exarch of the Lands.
The meeting was chaired by Metropolitan Petru.
The day began with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by clergy of the metropolitan administration, followed by a Te Deum of thanksgiving in honor of Metropolitan Petru’s 35 years of episcopal service. Hierarchs present offered messages of congratulations, expressions of gratitude, flowers, and symbolic gifts as signs of their appreciation and brotherly love.
Key Decisions of the Synod
- During the Synod’s working session, the hierarchs made several significant decisions for the pastoral and missionary life of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, including:
- Proposal to add Saint Kallinikos of Edessa to the calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Church, with his feast to be celebrated on August 8.
- Plans to expand media outreach, including preparations for launching a local branch of TRINITAS Radio and Television of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Republic of Moldova.
Reaffirmation of canonical discipline regarding clergy involvement in politics, emphasizing adherence to synodal rulings from 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2016, and 2020. The Synod stressed that bishops, priests, deacons, and monastics are forbidden from partisan political activity, party membership, candidacy, or participation in electoral campaigns. The Romanian Orthodox Church in Bessarabia remains non-partisan, encouraging the faithful to exercise civic responsibility in light of Christian values and the common good.
Expressions of gratitude to Patriarch Daniel and the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church for their ongoing support, particularly for the Centenary celebrations of the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the local canonization of Saints Iraclie and Alexandru of Bessarabia. The Synod also announced that commemorative distinctions sent by the Patriarch will soon be distributed to all clergy of the Metropolis.
