Metropolitan of Bessarabia on Soviet persecution and relations with the Moscow Patriarchate

Metropolitan Antonie of Bessarabia reaffirmed the historical legitimacy of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, rejecting challenges to its canonical status, while expressing support for dialogue with the Moscow Patriarchate’s Metropolis of Moldova in an interview with Telejurnal.

The restoration of the Metropolis of Bessarabia

Referring to the restoration of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, Metropolitan Antonie recalled that in 1992 the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church decided to “restore” the historic Metropolis, following years of efforts and perseverance. He noted that he personally took part in the legal proceedings that eventually led to its official recognition in the Republic of Moldova.

“After 1992, as I studied history, I realised that much of what we had been taught at school was propaganda rather than actual history. From 1995 onwards, I became actively involved in the legal proceedings and represented the Metropolis of Bessarabia before all the courts of the Republic of Moldova.”

According to the Metropolitan, the recognition of the Metropolis marked the rectification of a historical injustice.

“It was a moment of joy and gratitude because justice had been…