The Romanian Patriarchate has firmly distanced itself from the statements made by Archbishop Teodosie of Tomis during an interview with the publication Le Figaro, regarding Mr. Călin Georgescu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Specifically, the Archbishop expressed support for presidential candidate Călin Georgescu, who holds eurosceptic and pro-Russian views. According to hotnews.ro, he stated: “Călin Georgescu, like Donald Trump, has the courage to speak about peace.” Additionally, as reported by digi24.ro, the Archbishop praised Vladimir Putin, saying, “We should not fear Vladimir Putin, who is a man of reconciliation and who has built many churches.”
Also, as reported by digi24.ro, referring to Călin Georgescu, he stated: “I support him because he is more of a man of God than a politician. He is a devout believer, the grandson of a priest, someone who defends Christian values and genuinely cares about the daily lives of Romanians. While the devil is present everywhere, there are those who stand against him. Most believers share the same respect for him as I do. For this reason, we regard him as a messenger of God,” he remarked during his interview.
According to basilica.ro, at the upcoming working session of the Holy Synod, the case of Archbishop Teodosie will be reviewed for repeated violations of the Synod’s decisions concerning electoral campaigns.
It is important to recall that since 2008, the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church has decreed that bishops, priests, deacons, monks, and nuns of the Church are prohibited from engaging in partisan politics or participating in electoral campaigns as supporters.
The Romanian Orthodox Church reaffirms its clear position of neutrality during electoral campaigns and dissociates itself from any form of partisan politics.
Press Office of the Romanian Patriarchate
Photo Credit: Basilica.ro
