In Moldova, parishioners defend church of Moldovan Metropolis from seizure

Participants in the conflict around the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Moldovan Metropolis. Photo: Facebook

On January 27, a conflict occurred around the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Moldovan Metropolis in the village of Dereneu (Moldova). According to parishioners, representatives of the Bessarabian Metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Church made a forceful attempt to establish control over the church, reports PRO.TV.

Priest of the Moldovan Orthodox Church Vadim Korostinsky said that former priest Florinel Marin broke the locks of the Moldovan Metropolis church at night, disconnected the surveillance cameras and locked the church, then called the police in the morning. According to priest Korostinsky, on the same day the clergy of the Bessarabian Metropolis from different regions of the country arrived in Dereneu, but some local residents opposed their entry into the church. Currently, the church remains closed.

Former President of Moldova Igor Dodon issued a harsh assessment of what happened, calling the events church raiding. "The Bessarabian Metropolis, with the assistance of the country's leadership, continues attempts at forceful seizure of churches of the Moldovan Metropolis. I am outraged by the events that occurred in Dereneu, where a priest of the Bessarabian Metropolis attempted to forcefully establish control over a church belonging to the Moldovan Metropolis but received decisive resistance from local residents. What is happening is blatant church raiding. I demand an immediate end to pressure on believers, ensuring protection of churches and bringing those responsible to justice," wrote Dodon.

The Bessarabian Metropolis, in turn, claims that their actions are lawful and based on court decisions. Representatives of the Moldovan Metropolis emphasize that there was neither a court bailiff nor documents allowing forceful entry into the church on site, and the conflict around the church in Dereneu has been ongoing for many years.

It is noted that this was already the third attempt to seize the church. After parishioners once again defended the church and regained control of the building, a special thanksgiving service was held in the church of Dereneu village in honor of the people who stood up to defend the shrine.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that President Sandu attended a session of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova.

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