Orthodox priests repel against Moscow rule in Moldova

Ukraine had been under Moscow’s spiritual leadership since the 17th century at the latest, but part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church broke with Moscow in 2019 over Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in the east of Ukraine. Long torn between loyalty to the Russian or Romanian Orthodox Church, the Moldovan village of Cimiseni has made its choice, triggered by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The parish in the village near the capital Chisinau, whose 2,850 inhabitants mostly speak Romanian, is one of a growing number that has switched allegiance from Moscow to Bucharest. The divorce mirrors the former Soviet Republic’s bigger struggle as it seeks to leave behind Russia’s influence and join the European Union. Are the Orthodox priests being forced to oppose Moscow rule ?