Condices No. 015 of 11 November 2025
Issues heared: Report of His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chisinau and all Moldova, related to provocative and denigrating messages against the Orthodox Church of Moldova, disseminated in public domain.
Decision made:
To adopt the Appeal of the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova to the clergy and faithful:
Appeal of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova to the Clergy and the Faithful
„The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova takes note, with profound concern, of the unfriendly and defamatory statements directed against the Orthodox Church of Moldova.
Our Church considers these actions unjustified, groundless, and dangerous for the spiritual unity of the people of the Republic of Moldova. In this context, the Synod makes the following clarifications:
- The Orthodox Church of Moldova is not a “Russian Church”, but the Church of the entire people living in the Republic of Moldova, made up of believers of different ethnicities. It is open to all, regardless of language, political affiliation, or cultural orientation. In our places of worship, people of all ages and social categories pray together—united in faith in Christ and in love for their neighbour, regardless of their personal convictions or political choices.
- The Orthodox Church of Moldova is free and independent in its governance, in accordance with the Tomos of Independence issued in 1994 by the Patriarchate of Moscow, which granted it full autonomy in its organisation and pastoral mission. Since that time and to this day, the Metropolis of Chișinău and All Moldova has carried out its canonical, pastoral, and social activities in full respect of the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and in the spirit of the Gospel.
- The Orthodox Church of Moldova has never opposed the development path chosen by our State. The Church’s mission is strictly spiritual—centred on the pastoral care of the faithful, supporting those in need, and proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova calls upon all clergy and faithful to remain united in faith, peace, and prayer, and urges representatives of the state institutions, politicians, and opinion formers to act with mutual respect and discernment—not to deepen divisions within society, but to contribute to the preservation of peace, stability, and harmony in the Republic of Moldova.
We consider these hostile statements dangerous for national unity and social peace. We call upon all Christians to be witnesses and bearers of peace, unity, and love in a society that needs understanding, solidarity, and compassion more than ever—not division and hatred.
At the same time, we recall that similar experiences in our neighbouring country, where attempts were made to outlaw the Orthodox Church, ended in failure and deep social turmoil. The Republic of Moldova must not repeat the mistakes of others; rather, it is time to preserve balance and wisdom for the common good of our people.
The Orthodox Church of Moldova has been, is, and will remain at home, in the midst of its people, serving them with love, prayer, and responsibility, to the glory of God and for the good of our country”.
Signatories of the Condices
President of the Synod:
† VLADIMIR, Metropolitan of Chișinău and All Moldova
Members:
SAVA, Archbishop of Tiraspol and Dubăsari
ANATOLIE, Archbishop of Cahul and Comrat
PETRU, Archbishop of Ungheni and Nisporeni
MARCHEL, Archbishop of Bălți and Fălești
NICODIM, Archbishop of Edineț and Briceni
IOAN, Archbishop of Soroca and Drochia
SILUAN, Bishop of Orhei, Vicar of the Metropolis
FILARET, Bishop of Căpriana, Vicar of the Metropolis
NICOLAE, Bishop of Ceadîr-Lunga, Vicar of the Diocese of Cahul and Comrat
PATROCL, Bishop of Dondușeni, Vicar of the Diocese of Edineț and Briceni
Secretary of the Synod:
Mitred Archpriest Vadim Cheibaș
Synodal Sector for Institutional Communication and Media Relations