Synod of Romanian Church accepts resignation of Met. Petru of Bessarabia
Metropolitan Petru Păduraru of Bessarabia. Photo: mitropoliabasarabiei.md
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church held a working session on June 3, 2026, at the patriarchal palace under the chairmanship of Patriarch Daniel. This was reported by Basilica.ro.
The participants officially approved the decision to dismiss Metropolitan Petru from his position as Archbishop of Chisinau and Metropolitan of Bessarabia. The Synod's resolution terminates all administrative and liturgical activities of the hierarch in his post as exarch of the territories.
The Synod's Chancellery announced the immediate commencement of procedures provided for by the Statute for the election of a new head of the metropolis. The church leadership in Bucharest is beginning to compile a list of candidates for the vacant see.
Hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church view this step as a necessary stage for the further development of ecclesiastical structures in the region. Petru Păduraru has headed the metropolis for a long period of time.
As the UOJ reported, the head of the Bessarabian Metropolia of the Romanian Church submitted his resignation. The bishop had headed the metropolia for more than thirty years after transferring from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1991. Representatives of the metropolis officially cite advanced age and health condition as the reason for his departure, while Moldovan media link the hierarch’s resignation to the publication of a scandalous video allegedly featuring Metropolitan Petru.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.