In Moldova, 11 priests defrocked for defecting to Romanian Church

A session of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova. Photo: mitropolia.md

On November 11, 2025, the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova defrocked 11 clerics who had transferred from the Cahul and Comrat Eparchy to the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Church. This is stated in the official decision published on the website of the Moldovan Metropolis.

The Synod reviewed the report of Archbishop Anatoly of Cahul and Comrat and determined that the priests "arbitrarily and canonically unjustifiably" left the jurisdiction of the Moldovan Metropolis and joined another religious structure. The document notes that the clerics were previously given time for "correction and full repentance", but they did not do so.

The Synod's decree states that due to the violation of the ordination oath and canons, 11 clerics are "banned and defrocked." The list includes hieromonks and protopriests.

Also at the meeting, the Synod confirmed the inadmissibility of clergy participation in political and electoral processes, reviewed a number of personnel decisions, and adopted an appeal to the clergy and laity in connection with "defamatory statements" in the public space.

At the end of the meeting, the Synod reviewed the report of Metropolitan Vladimir on "provocative and defamatory statements" against the Orthodox Church of Moldova and approved an official appeal to the clergy and laity.

The document emphasizes that the Church of Moldova is not the "Russian Church" but represents the entire people of the country and has been operating autonomously since 1994, strictly adhering to legislation and Gospel principles.

The Synod called on the clergy and believers for unity, and politicians for responsibility and respect, warning that attacks on the Church are dangerous for public peace and may lead to upheavals, as has already happened in neighboring countries.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in Moldova, parishioners face up to three years in prison for defending their church.

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