Romanian Patriarchate: Canonical Discipline Issues Are Not Resolved by Video Messages

Canonical discipline issues in the Romanian Orthodox Church and the application of disciplinary sanctions by the Diocesan Consistories are resolved not by public video messages, but by a written request for appeal or restitution filed with the higher ecclesiastical courts, the Romanian Patriarchate specifies in connection with the case of the dethronement of former priest and free-time film director Ciprian-Romeo Mega. "The written request for appeal or restitution must be filed with the higher ecclesiastical courts - the Metropolitan Consistory and the Superior Ecclesiastical Consistory," the Patriarchate's Press Office reported.

The decision to dethrone the former priest was taken by the Diocesan Consistory of the Oradea Diocese and ratified by His Eminence Sofronie, Bishop of Oradea. The decision comes after the completion of canonical-disciplinary procedures. The Diocese of Oradea specifies that the sanction was applied based on the "commitment, in repeated and aggravating form, of numerous offenses", including: Violation of the Confession at ordination; Insulting, slandering and defaming church authorities; Acts contrary to Christian morality and public order; Incitement to discord and serious disorders among the clergy and believers; Continuous disobedience to church authorities; Systematic contradiction of the official positions of the BOR; Serving in other church jurisdictions without blessing.

All these acts were documented with solid evidence, and the maximum sanction of demotion was applied in full compliance with the Statute for the Organization and Functioning of the Romanian Orthodox Church and with the regulations in force.

Former priest Ciprian Mega continues to serve after being deposed, announces the Bihon publication. Mega has said he will not recognize his superiors' decision and will continue to serve. According to media reports, Mega is accused of being Russia's Trojan horse in the BOR. He was detained by prosecutors in February for allegedly setting his car on fire in an attempt to stage an assassination attempt.