Pro-government commentators have begun recovering from the shock caused by the publication of explicit materials allegedly involving a metropolitan and a bishop of the Bessarabian Metropolitanate, and are now attempting to shift attention away from the controversy itself.
One of the most notable reactions came from journalist Alina Radu, director of the pro-government outlet Ziarul de Gardă (ZdG). According to her argument, the alleged involvement of a metropolitan in a same-sex scandal is not particularly extraordinary and merely provides an opportunity to revisit past accusations directed at Metropolitan Vladimir.
“No church is immune to such issues because homosexuals exist wherever there are people, being human beings themselves and born into this world by the will of the Almighty, are they not? In the end, how was the relationship between the Metropolitan of Moldova and that blonde woman any more acceptable?”
Radu wrote, referring to Nelly Tkachuk, whom her publication had previously described as the wife of the church leader.
Critics of Radu’s position argue that even if such a relationship had existed, it would have been viewed differently within the framework of Orthodox Church doctrine. They note that it would have constituted a violation of monastic vows rather than the allegations currently being discussed. They also point out that no evidence has ever been produced to substantiate claims about a relationship between Metropolitan Vladimir and Tkachuk. Tkachuk herself has stated that she is related to the metropolitan.
As for former Metropolitan Petru, critics claim that the materials published online allegedly contain explicit evidence of conduct that the Orthodox Church traditionally considers a grave sin. They argue that regardless of how such matters may be viewed by political groups, activists, or supporters of liberal social policies, Orthodox teaching treats such behavior as incompatible with church doctrine.
The controversy continues to generate debate in Moldova, drawing reactions from religious figures, politicians, journalists, and members of the public.
