Romanian Orthodox Holy Synod warns against heretical and schismatic groups posing as Orthodox

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church expressed concern over the activities of heretical and schismatic groups presenting themselves as Orthodox during its meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2026, chaired by Patriarch Daniel of Romania at the Patriarchal Palace in Bucharest.

The Synod warned that these groups conduct religious services resembling those of the Orthodox Church while improperly using Orthodox ecclesiastical titles, vestments, liturgical practices, and icons, creating confusion among the faithful.

According to the Synod, such groups also solicit donations for the construction of places of worship and for social and religious activities, potentially misleading believers about their ecclesiastical affiliation.

In response, the Holy Synod instructed diocesan authorities to undertake local pastoral initiatives aimed at informing the faithful about the risks of participating in or joining groups falsely claiming to be Orthodox.

The Synod emphasized the importance of maintaining full communion with the canonical Orthodox Church and observing the canonical traditions established by the Holy Fathers.

During the same meeting, the Synod also approved a draft…