OCU head discusses “challenges” of MP’s activity with Moldovan ambassador

Epifaniy Dumenko and Valeriu Chițer (center). Photo: official OCU's website

On June 17, 2025, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Epifaniy Dumenko, held a meeting with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ukraine, Valeriu Chițer. The report was published on the official OCU website.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues was discussed, including the religious situation in both countries. Particular attention was given to challenges “related to the activities of structures of the Moscow Patriarchate,” which, according to the OCU, are used by the aggressor state as tools of destructive influence under the pretense of defending religious freedoms.

The OCU head expressed concern that Russia, in the OCU’s view, may be using the “structures of the Moscow Patriarchate” as an instrument of influence.

The parties also discussed issues of social service, assistance to veterans, and spiritual support for the population. The Moldovan ambassador, for his part, stressed the importance of bilateral relations based on shared values and the pursuit of freedom and independence.

Such statements, according to some observers, may be perceived as laying the groundwork for increased pressure on the canonical Church in Ukraine and in other countries, including Moldova.

As a reminder, just two days before this meeting – on June 15, 2025 – police in Chișinău violently dispersed a cross procession organized by Orthodox Christians protesting a gay pride parade. Footage of police using force against participants in the prayer march has been circulating on social media.

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