Archbishop of Moldovan Church calls to protect churches from nationalization
Archbishop Markell called on the faithful of the Moldovan Orthodox Church to peacefully defend churches against the backdrop of a threat to transfer more than 800 religious properties into state ownership.
On March 19, 2026, Archbishop Markell of Bălți and Fălești addressed the clergy and faithful with a call to protect Orthodox churches of Moldova from possible transfer to state ownership, reports Sare şi lumină.
In the cathedral, the hierarch performed a prayer service for church unity and stated that the threat of confiscation of more than 800 churches is becoming increasingly real. According to him, believers must defend church property, acting strictly within the law and without resorting to violence.
"We call upon you to stand guard over the Church, to defend our heritage – without breaking the law and without using violence," emphasized Archbishop Markell.
Archbishop Markell reminded that earlier the authorities of Moldova had declared their intention to return hundreds of churches to state ownership under the pretext of their protection and restoration, despite acknowledging the lack of necessary resources for their maintenance.
"The instrument of our defense is the Holy Cross and prayer. Let us unite in one heart to preserve what is sacred to us," added the bishop, calling the faithful to unity and peaceful defense of church heritage.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that a court in Moldova recognized the signatures regarding the parish transfer to the Romanian Church as forged.
