Metropolitan Petru steps down as head of Metropolis of Bessarabia
Metropolitan Petru, the Archbishop of Chisinau and Metropolitan of Bessarabia, has officially stepped down from his leadership role. The hierarch requested his retirement due to advanced age, health issues, and the overall welfare of the Church.
Father Ion Marian announced the decision on Facebook. Until a new metropolitan is elected, Metropolitan Teofan of Moldova and Bukovina will serve as the interim administrator of the see.
A lifetime of service
Metropolitan Petru, born Petru Paduraru on October 24, 1946, in Tiganca, Cahul, was a foundational figure in the revival of Romanian Orthodoxy in the region. He was ordained as Bishop of Balti in September 1990 at the Chisinau Cathedral.
In September 1992, he was elected interim leader during the assembly that re-established the Metropolis of Bessarabia. Shortly after, a delegation requested canonical reintegration into the Romanian Patriarchate.
Historical and legal legacy
The Romanian Patriarchate officially recognized the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia in December 1992. Metropolitan Petru was formally enthroned as its leader on October 24, 1995.
During his three decades of leadership, Metropolitan Petru fought continuously for the legal recognition of the Church. This culminated in a landmark European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling in 2002, forcing Moldova to officially recognize the institution.
Under his guidance, the Metropolis of Bessarabia opened dozens of new parishes, restored historic monasteries, and expanded its educational, philanthropic, and media presence across the country.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
