The Metropolitan Church of Moldova said any form of interference in the affairs of the Church, such as suggestions when and how to pray, is unacceptable. It noted that it does not want to be engaged in all the misunderstandings and national or international political games and wants to be left to preach. The reaction comes after MP Oazu Nantoi, as citizen of the country, presented an open letter saying that it is the moral obligation of the Metropolitan Church of Moldova to take attitude to the risk of a new war in the neighboring country Ukraine, IPN reports.
“The recent statements of some persons disappoint and sadden,” the Metropolitan Division stated on the website of the Metropolitan Church.
“The Orthodox Church of Moldova prays for peace not only during one day, on January 26, but does it daily, on Sundays too and also during each holy liturgy. The prayer at our Holy Church is silent and is not exhibited in markets or by statements,” says the comment. According to the Metropolitan Church, the Pope of Rome, besides being a religious leader, is also a politician and ‘dares’ to make such statements.
As to the visit made to Tiraspol by Metropolitan Bishop Vladimir, the Metropolitan Church said that there is no unity between the Republic of Moldova and Transnistria at political level, but there is such unitary at church level and this unity never ended, Transnistria continuing being the canonic space of the Orthodox Church of Moldova where Metropolitan Bishop Vladimir is always awaited and welcomed. The award conferred on His Holiness Vladimir obliges this to keep peace, not to take attitude. At the same time, the Church reserves the right to neutrality, which is stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova.
In his open letter, Oazu Nantoi addresses the Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and all Moldova, His Holiness Vladimir, saying it is opportune for the Metropolitan Church to make a call to all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova for unity and solidarity based on the Christian values. He noted that the Pope of Rome Francisc on January 23 said that he was following with concern the rising tensions that threaten to inflict a new blow to peace in Ukraine, and put in question the security in Europe with even wider repercussions. Addressing the faithful who came together in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope of Rome Francisc asked to set January 26 as the Day of Prayer for Peace in Ukraine and to have a dialogue for solving the crisis.
