Scandal in Moldova: Media labels Orthodox priests as "Kremlin agents"
Orthodox Church of Moldova. Photo: ru.mitropolia.md
A scandal is escalating in Moldova involving the Orthodox Church of Moldova (OCM). The pro-government TV channel TVRMoldova released a video in which journalists questioned OCM clergy arriving from Moscow about the funding of their trips. Journalists asked, "Who paid for your trip?" and "Do they give you money in Moscow?" This caused public outcry, as the information about the priests' arrival likely came from internal sources.
Local media also spread claims that the trips of OCM clergy to Russia are allegedly financed by convicted politician Ilan Shor. The Deschide portal asserts that "these actions are attempts to bribe the clergy ahead of the Moldovan presidential elections and the referendum."
Clergy members who visited Russia are being accused of supporting the Kremlin and receiving funds from Shor. Personal data of the clergy is being published online, which is likely aimed at preventing further pilgrimages.
The situation has intensified amid public statements made by some politicians. Vasily Shoimaru, a deputy from the ruling party, expressed hope for breaking ties with the OCM, comparing it to the situation in Ukraine: "We will resolve the issue with the Metropolis this fall." Later, the Action and Solidarity party opted-out from his remarks.
Former President Igor Dodon urged the authorities to leave the Church alone: "I know the government is trying to pressure the clergy. I want to address Recean, Sandu, and others: Leave the Church alone! And remember: God doesn’t strike with a stick."
Read also
Zelensky prays with Jews, Muslims, Catholics, OCU, and UGCC at Kyiv Sofia
At the event in St. Sofia of Kyiv, Sheikh Ahmed Tamim asked Allah for “victory over the enemy for the sake of Muhammad, Jesus, and Moses.”
UOC community in Germany moves to Constantinople Patriarchate
UOC clergy in Erfurt argued their decision to transfer to the Church of Constantinople by claiming that Germany is supposedly the canonical territory of the Phanar.
Volyn deputy on Forgiveness Sunday: I ask forgiveness from everyone except UOC
Huz’s aide said that UOC believers “have no love.”
UOC delivers charging stations to frontline communities in Donetsk region
The UOC Social Department sent five high-capacity power units to Druzhkivka, Lyman, and Sloviansk; the equipment will help residents cope with electricity outages.
Participants of U.S. Christian forum call for "moral imperative" to shape AI
At the conference in the United States, theologians and IT experts discussed how artificial intelligence affects relationships, faith, and society, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks.
Radical groups reported among those who seized UOC church in Shchaslyve
During the seizure of the church in Shchaslyve, radical groupings acted, including the “Combat Brotherhood of Ukraine” and “Right Youth,” who present themselves as “believers.”