Moldovan Authorities Prevent Cleric from Traveling to Retrieve Holy Fire, Raising Concerns Over Religious Fairness

A recent incident at Chisinau International Airport has sparked discussions in Moldova about religious representation and state actions, the Press United reports.

Archbishop Markel of Bălți and Fălești, a representative of the Moldovan Orthodox Church (Metropolis of Moldova), was reportedly prevented from traveling to Israel to retrieve the Holy Fire — a significant Orthodox Easter tradition.

According to Moldovan media reports, Archbishop Markel was subjected to an extensive security check at the airport. His passport was only returned after the plane to Tel Aviv had already departed, effectively blocking him from completing his journey.

The reasons behind the delay and inspection have not been officially disclosed by authorities. However, some commentators on social media and Telegram channels suggest the incident may not have been coincidental.

Adding to the controversy, it was reported a day earlier that the Moldovan government had approved a similar trip for clergy from the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which is affiliated with the Romanian Orthodox Church. This has led to speculation over whether preferential treatment was shown to one religious body over another.

The delivery of the Holy Fire, brought annually from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, holds deep religious significance for Orthodox Christians, particularly during Easter celebrations. Typically, it is transported by representatives of different Orthodox jurisdictions for distribution in their home countries.

While the government has not made an official statement about the incident involving Archbishop Markel, the situation has stirred concern among members of the Moldovan Orthodox Church and observers who call for greater transparency and equal treatment of religious institutions.