As the Christmas season approaches in Moldova, the head of the country's largest Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Vladimir, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as attacks on his church in the lead-up to the festive occasion. With over 90% of Moldova's residents identifying as Orthodox Christians, religious dynamics are undergoing a notable shift in the country, fueled by geopolitical and cultural influences.
In a weekend interview, Metropolitan Vladimir, whose church is subordinated to the Russian Orthodox Church, criticized the media for sowing division within the church, accusing it of being "bolstered by political support." Moldova's government, in its pursuit of European Union membership, finds itself at the center of this religious struggle.
Metropolitan Vladimir's church, the Moldova Metropolis, recently reaffirmed its allegiance to the Russian Orthodox Church, despite reservations about its support for the conflict in Ukraine. The Moldova Metropolis celebrates Christmas on January 7, following the old calendar.
Challenging the influence of the Russian-linked church is the Metropolis of Bessarabia, affiliated with the Romanian church, which celebrates Christmas on December 25. Over 60 priests have reportedly left the Moldova Metropolis to join the Metropolis of Bessarabia in recent months, marking a significant shift in religious affiliations.
The Metropolis of Bessarabia is seen as a key element in the government's efforts to align Moldova with the European mainstream. The church's celebration of Christmas on December 25 aligns with Western traditions, reflecting the broader cultural and geopolitical tensions at play in the region.
Metropolitan Vladimir expressed concern over priests switching allegiances, stating that they were "devoid of all insight and faith (and) facilitating the destruction of the unity of the Church of Christ."
Both December 25 and January 7 are declared public holidays in Moldova, reflecting the diverse religious practices in the country. While the Russian-linked church has a larger following, an increasing number of Moldovans are opting to celebrate Christmas on December 25, aligning with Western customs.
The religious debate has also been influenced by neighboring Ukraine, where the largest Orthodox Church shifted its Christmas festivities to December 25, aligning with the Gregorian calendar. In contrast, Russia and its Orthodox Church continue to observe Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar.
Moldova's President, Maia Sandu, has sought to remain neutral in the ongoing debate over the two churches and their respective observance of Christmas. She indicated that she would celebrate on December 25 with her immediate family in Chisinau and again on January 7 in her native village near the Romanian border, emphasizing a personal and inclusive approach to the religious diversity within the country.
