“Christ is the source of pastoral strength”: Newly elected Bishop of Bălți pledges dedicated service

“Christ is the source of pastoral strength,” Archimandrite Nicodim Petre said Thursday evening, at the end of the Holy Synod meeting where he was elected Bishop of Bălți .

“I accept this decision, this vote of confidence, with the hope that I will honour it, with humility and with the awareness that this is a very high ministry in the Church,” the bishop-elect said.

“I also know my limitations and weaknesses, and I ask God to make possible what is impossible for human beings.”

The newly elected hierarch thanked the members of the Holy Synod for their votes, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel for the confidence placed in him, Metropolitan Antonie for proposing him for this ministry, and Metropolitan Teofan for his advice, patience and fatherly care.

A diocese built through great sacrifice Bishop-elect Nicodim of Bălți expressed his thanks and asked to be remembered in prayers on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Photo credit: BASILICA / Mircea Florescu Bishop-elect Nicodim emphasised that His Eminence Metropolitan Antonie had shown great sacrifice and patience during his leadership of the Diocese of Bălți.

“I have been there very often, and I know how much work and effort have…