Orthodox shrines seized using "Ukrainian-style scenario,” Moldovan politician

Briefing of Igor Dodon's Socialist faction. Photo: actualitati.md

Igor Dodon, head of the parliamentary faction of Moldova’s Party of Socialists, said the situation in the village of Derenău (Călărași District) had become tense, comparing what is happening to an “Ukrainian-style scenario” – with the state acting against the Orthodox Church of Moldova, EADaily reported.

According to Dodon, in Derenău the local priest, together with his wife and children, has been staying inside the church for several days, trying to protect it from being handed over to the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which is subordinate to Romania. At the same time, he said, police have blocked the church doors and are not allowing parishioners to reach their rector.

“What is happening in the village of Derenău is outrageous. A priest and his family have, in effect, barricaded themselves inside the church, defending it from seizure – and the police have cut off access and are not letting the faithful inside,” Dodon said, accusing the authorities of directly facilitating what is taking place.

He stressed that the Church should remain outside politics. “Mrs. Sandu, Mr. Munteanu, and Mr. Chernăuțeanu – I want to remind you: the authorities have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Church,” the Socialist leader said.

For his part, Socialist MP Bogdan Țîrdea said what is happening is part of a broader campaign. According to him, more than 60 – and by some accounts up to 100 – parishes have already been transferred out from under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Moldova and placed under the control of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, with financial and social incentives allegedly being offered to believers. The Socialists called on the authorities to stop interfering in church affairs and voiced support for the Derenău community, which they said is defending its right to the faith.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a ruling by the Chișinău Court of Appeal creates a mechanism for removing shrines from the Orthodox Church of Moldova in favor of the Metropolis of Bessarabia.

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