Metropolitan Petru Steps Down

The Romanian Patriarchate has confirmed that Metropolitan Petru, the Archbishop of Chișinău and Metropolitan of Bessarabia, has formally submitted his resignation. The high-ranking cleric cited advanced age, declining health, and the broader well-being of the Church as primary reasons for his decision to retire from active service.

In an official statement released on May 31, 2026, the Patriarchate announced that the resignation request would be examined during the upcoming working session of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, scheduled for June 3-4. The decision marks a significant transition for the Orthodox community in Moldova, which has navigated complex ecclesiastical and political landscapes in recent years.

Interim Leadership Appointed

Until a new Archbishop is elected in accordance with church statutes, Teofan, Archbishop of Iași and Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina, has been appointed as the interim locum tenens. Patriarch Daniel made the appointment to ensure continuity in the spiritual administration of the diocese during this transitional period.

The move underscores the structured nature of succession within the Romanian Orthodox hierarchy. The interim period will likely involve careful deliberation among church leaders to identify a successor who can maintain stability and unity within the Bessarabian metropolis.

A Long Ecclesiastical Career

Born on October 24, 1946, in the village of Țiganca, former Cahul County, Moldova, Metropolitan Petru began his theological studies at the 'Saint Andrew the Apostle' Theological Seminary in Odesa in 1967. He entered the monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Odesa as a brother the following year.

Elected Metropolitan of Bessarabia on October 3, 1995, Petru has served the region for over three decades. His resignation concludes a lengthy tenure marked by efforts to strengthen church institutions and community engagement in Moldova. The Holy Synod’s upcoming meeting will determine the final steps in processing his retirement and initiating the election process for his successor.