Moldova faithful disrupt attempted church transfer to Bessarabian Metropolis

Parishioners of the Nativity of the Theotokos Church in Grinauți. Photo: noi.md

On July 6, 2025, in the village of Grinauți, Rîșcani district, a vote took place during which the parishioners of the Nativity of the Theotokos Church decided to remain within the Metropolis of Moldova. This was reported by the information portal Noi.md.

As a result of the vote conducted in the community, the Nativity of the Theotokos Church remains within the Metropolis of Moldova: 267 votes for the Metropolis of Moldova, 9 for the Metropolis of Bessarabia, and 8 abstained.

The believers' decision was a reaction to the actions of the church's rector, Archpriest Constantin Turturianu, who unilaterally announced his intention to transfer the parish under the jurisdiction of the Metropolis of Bessarabia.

According to the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), on June 28, there was an attempt to forcibly seize the church in the village. Representatives of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, with the support of local authorities and police, tried to impose the transition against the will of the parishioners.

"Instead of protecting order and law, the police turned into an instrument of repression against Orthodox believers," stated the PSRM.

It is also noted that the mass presence of Romanian clergy and the institutional support provided to them were perceived as part of a dangerous scenario for seizing churches in Moldova, similar to events in Ukraine.

"Orthodoxy is the foundation of Moldova's spiritual sovereignty, its identity, history, and future. We will not allow the destruction of church unity under external pressure," emphasized the party.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that a hierarch of the Church of Moldova accused the Romanian authorities of seizing churches.

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