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Metropolitan Anthony of Bessarabia was enthroned in Chisinau: It is a new beginning. I won't make it on my owntranslated

July 12, 2026 · 1 min read

His Holiness Father Antonie was enthroned on Sunday in Chisinau, in the presence of several hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Secretary of State for Cults Ciprian Olinici, as well as some high officials from the Republic of Moldova, who participated in the service and ceremony held at the Church of the "Three Hierarchs" and the "Source of Healing".

The service was presided over by Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bucovina, and the council was attended by Archbishops Cassian of Lower Danube and Athanasius of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Bishops Ignatie of Hus and Veniamin of South Bessarabia, as well as Vicar Bishops Nichifor Botoșaneanul of the Archdiocese of Iasi, Nectarie de Bogdania of the Archdiocese Chisinau and Teofil Trotusanul of the Roman and Bacău Archdiocese.

After His Holiness Father Cassian read the Patriarchal Grammar of Enthronement, His Holiness Father Teofan, the delegate of the Blessed Father Patriarch Daniel, handed the new Metropolitan of Bessarabia the mantle, the cross and the engolpion, the black camilafca with a cross and the bishop's crutch - insignia of the metropolitan rank. From the Patriarch of Romania, the new metropolitan received...

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (12) 🌐 Show original

Katarina Nikolić

Yes, it is nice that Metropolitan Teofan personally handed over the mantle and the cross. I see that Bishop Veniamin of Basarabia de Sud was also there, that's nice because it shows that we work together. I pray that God will help him, because he himself says that he will not be able to do it alone.

Grace Turner

It was good to see Bishop Veniamin of Southern Bessarabia there too, standing together like that. The part where Metropolitan Antonie said straight out he won’t manage alone feels honest. I’ll remember him in my prayers this week while I’m at the hospital.

Aleksandar Radovanović

Yes, I was also glad that it was Teofan who personally handed over the mantle and the cross, it shows closeness. Veniamin was really there, you could see that they were trying to work together. May God give him strength, because the job is not easy, and he is right in saying that he will not be able to do it alone.

Елена Белова

Yes, it’s good that it was Metropolitan Theophan who presented the mantle and staff, it’s clear that everything was fraternal. Venamin from Southern Bessarabia was also there, so they are trying together. I’ll pray for the new Metropolitan Anthony, it’s a big deal, it really can’t be done alone.

Jelena Marković

Yes, it is nice that Metropolitan Teofan personally handed over the mantle, cross and chameleon, it shows that it is not just a formality. Bishop Veniamin from Basarabia de Sud was also there, you can see that they are trying to work together. May God give him strength, because he is right to say that he will not be able to do it alone.

Dušan Jovanović

I agree, Theophanes' personal teaching of the mantle and camilauke just shows that they are behind him. Veniamin was there like a local, that is important for Basarabia. I wonder how they will manage with all those parishes that are still in schism, there will be work.

Vesna Đorđević

I agree, it's really nice that Teofan personally handed over those symbols, it can be seen that they support him. Benjamin's presence also added weight to everything. I wonder how they will manage with all those parishes scattered around Moldova, there will be work.

Marko Savić

I agree, Teofan's personal involvement showed that it was not just a formality. I just wonder how the new metropolitan will manage with those parishes that are used to a different rhythm - I hope they will quickly find a common language. May the Lord protect him.

Zoran Živković

Yes, I'm also glad that Benjamin was there, it really shows that they are joining forces. And as for the "I won't be able to do it alone", he is right - it can be seen that he will have to rely on all those bishops and the people. May God give him wisdom in every step.

Ivana Kostić

I agree, Theophan's mantle and chameleon lecture seems like solid support. Benjamin as a native is really important to the people there. And as for the schism, I wonder if it will start from talking to the priests or from the people in the parishes.

Jelena Pavlović

Yes, I'm also glad that Benjamin was there, that's a good sign. And as for the "I won't be able to do it alone", just like that - I see that they will rely on Teofan and those bishops from Romania, but also on ordinary people who come to church. May God give him the strength not to lose a thread.

Snežana Obradović

I agree, Benjamin is really important because the people from those parts already know him. And for the schism, I think it would be better to talk to the priests first, and only then to the parishioners - they are the ones who keep the churches. What do you think, would it be easier if it starts from parishes?