Moldova Appeals to Clergy for Veracity Amidst Russian Aggression and Religious Divide
Moscow's Destruction of Religious Sites Condemned
Moldova's government, an outspoken critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has implored the country's clergy to convey the "truth" about the war. Government spokesperson Daniel Voda's appeal, coinciding with the third anniversary of the invasion, highlighted the devastation inflicted upon religious institutions, with Moscow's actions reportedly destroying approximately 500 places of worship.
Split within Moldova's Orthodox Church
Voda's statement comes amidst a division within Moldova's Orthodox Church, with competing branches aligned with Russia and Romania. Over 90% of Moldova's churchgoers adhere to Orthodox Christianity, and the invasion, supported by Russia's Orthodox Church, has accelerated a shift from the Russian-linked Moldova Metropolis to the Romania-linked Bessarabia Metropolis.
Destruction of Religious Heritage
Since the invasion, which Russia euphemistically refers to as a "Special Military Operation," over 60 parishes in Moldova, a nation of 2.5 million, have changed their allegiance. In his appeal, Voda emphasized that "over 500 churches, synagogues, and mosques have been destroyed or damaged. That's one every two days." He implored the clergy, "Do not remain silent. Tell the world the truth. The aggression is not just a fight for territory, it is the destruction of shrines."
Moscow-Linked Church's Response
Metropolitan Vladimir of the Moscow-linked Moldova Metropolis has maintained that his church condemned the invasion from its outset and has provided assistance to over 90,000 Ukrainian refugees, the highest per capita in Europe. However, media reports have suggested that some priests from Russia-linked parishes endorse the invasion. Reuters has not independently verified these claims, but the church acknowledges that groups of priests made "pilgrimages" to Russian holy sites with Russian funding last year.
Historical Context and European Ties
The division within the church reflects Moldova's complex history, with its territory historically belonging to the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and "Greater Romania." The Romania-linked Bessarabia Metropolis is increasingly aligned with Moldova's aspirations to join the European Union by 2030.
