Romanian Patriarchate Reaffirms Neutrality in Electoral Campaign

The Romanian Patriarchate has issued an official statement, emphasizing that the Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR) maintains its neutrality during electoral campaigns, without supporting any party or candidate. "We respect the vote of each person (...), as it is a manifestation of a democratic right enshrined by law." We urge all Romanian citizens to freely, peacefully and responsibly exercise their right to vote," the Patriarchate's Press Office said. The Patriarchate's statement comes after the press reported on the participation of Archbishop of Tomis, His Holiness Teodosie, at the consecration of the AUR headquarters in Constanţa, where he delivered a speech with nationalist and religious overtones. In his speech, His Holiness Teodosie spoke of "a good and healthy result" in the second round of the presidential elections, scheduled for May 18, and offered personalized prayers and wishes for several AUR members and supporters, including MP Mohammad Murad. The Archbishop stated that "we do not have political colors, but love for God, the Church, the people and the country," but he also conveyed a message of indirect support, expressing the hope that, after the elections, "we will thank God at St. Andrew's Cave." He urged those present to be "models of light, steadfastness, and faith," highlighting national and religious ideals as shared values with the party in question.

• Background: sanctions for political involvement

In February 2024, His Holiness Teodosie was also sanctioned by the Holy Synod, along with the bishop of Huşilor, Ignatie, for statements with a political overtone during campaigns. At that time, he was given a written synodal reprimand for his support for former candidate Călin Georgescu. The Holy Synod considered those statements to be sources of "disturbance, division and difficulties in the BOR's relationship with the state authorities". It remains to be seen whether in this case too the Holy Synod will decide to analyze the recent statements and actions of the Archbishop of Tomis, in the context in which the Patriarchate explicitly requests that the clergy avoid involvement in electoral campaigns.