Priest Genady Valuță, a cleric at "St. Dimitrie" Church in Anenii Noi town, was banned from officiating at religious services starting with November 25. The suspension was announced by a decree issued by the Disciplinary Commission of the Metropolitan Church on the grounds that the priest was found guilty of inappropriate behavior and physical aggression against his family members, IPN reports.
The Metropolitan Church demands that Valuță should repent and resolve the issue with his family. Meanwhile, he does not have the right to wear a priest's cross, to hold religious services and to give blessing.
"As a result of the joint meeting with the clergy of the Deanery of Churches in Anenii Noi district and the Disciplinary Commission of the Metropolitan Church, which ascertains the guilt expressed through physical aggression against family members, manipulative behavior, demagogy and attitude that is inappropriate for a church official, we inform you that you are banned from performing religious services, offering blessing and wearing the priest cross, until reconciliation with all family members and full repentance, in writing, in front of the hierarch, starting with November 25," reads the Metropolitan Church’s message addressed to Genady Valuță.
In reply, Genady Valuță said that he had previously asked to be moved to another locality, but was now forbidden to practice. Furthermore, he noted that he possesses and can provide evidence of his innocence.
"I have previously and just now made requests to be allowed to go elsewhere, but, instead of receiving permission, I was suspended, but I hope that this is, as it was said, analysis of the permission, not rejection. I cannot judge the Metropolitan Church. We have no right to judge them, but I had enough luxury arguments to prove the innocence that appeared out of nowhere and orchestrated. They were not yet taken into account, including evidence from the police and from the court, and various proofs regarding the innocence," said the priest.
Genady Valuță was replaced by Archpriest Eugen Margarint at the church in Anenii Noi.
