Metropolitan Antonie Sets Vision for Reactivated Bessarabia Metropolia

The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church re‑activated the Metropolia of Bessarabia in 1992, ending decades of suppression. More than thirty years later the institution received a new head, Metropolitan Antonie, Archbishop of Chișinău, who was recently enthroned.

In an interview with Telejurnal, Antonie recounted his shift from studying medicine to pursuing theology, his involvement in the legal battles that secured the Metropolia’s recognition, and his plans for the church. He emphasized restoring the historical injustice of the Metropolia’s deportation, strengthening the Orthodox presence in Moldovan society, and clarifying the relationship with the Metropolia of Moldova. He described his enthronement as “an emotional moment… I felt help from the holy saints, God and the Mother of God,” and said the next phase will demand great responsibility.