Romanian Church ordains bishop for Bessarabian Metropolis of Moldova

Ordination of Bishop Nectarie. Photo: Romanian Church website

On February 16, 2025, the ordination of the new auxiliary bishop of the Chisinau Archdiocese was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Romanian Church, reports the Romanian Patriarchate’s website. The service was led by Patriarch Daniel of Romania and Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, along with other Romanian hierarchs.

At the end of the Liturgy, the patriarchal decree of appointment was read, after which the new bishop received the mantle, staff, and other episcopal regalia from Patriarch Daniel.

Patriarch Daniel highlighted the significance of this appointment: “In this historical context, his election and ordination represent not only recognition of his personal merits but also a call to a new stage of promoting the eternal values of the Orthodox faith amidst contemporary challenges.”

The primate recalled that 2025 marks not only the centenary of the Romanian Patriarchate but also the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bessarabian Metropolis (May 4, 1925).

“There is a need to protect and promote the values of the Orthodox faith, to show paternal care for parishes and monasteries, to support Christian culture, preserve and enhance the Church’s heritage, and show fatherly love to the clergy and faithful,” Patriarch Daniel emphasized.

Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia, expressing joy over Bishop Nectarie’s appointment, called for maintaining church unity: “We need support and stability among ourselves because we, Bessarabians, have no other path.”

In his response, Bishop Nectarie underscored the gravity of his mission: “This calling is not an occasion for worldly glory but a cross, a service, and a great responsibility before Christ and His Church.”

“My words are few, but my heart is full of the desire to serve this long-suffering people with self-sacrifice and love, receiving all this from the Lord,” said the new bishop.

Bishop Nectarie was elected on February 5 and assumed the position of auxiliary bishop of the Chisinau Archdiocese, which had remained vacant since 2018 when Bishop Antonie was elected Bishop of Balti.

It will be recalled that the Moldovan Orthodox Church under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate also operates in Moldova.

Read also