Moldovan Metropolitan Vladimir asks Chisinau mayor to cancel Adventist gathering downtown

Moldovan Metropolitan Vladimir, the highest Christian Orthodox religious authority in the country, sent a letter to Chisinau mayor Dorin Chirtoaca yesterday, urging him to cancel an Adventist Church gathering planned for August 15.

Met. Vladimir said he was "hurt and disappointed" by the city hall's decision to allow the meeting because 93 percent of Moldovans are Orthodox and could get their "feelings hurt."

He added that if cancellation is not possible, Mr. Chirtoaca should at least change the place of the gathering to a "more isolated location."

Chisinau City Hall said it cannot make a judgment on the content of public gatherings, so the Adventist concert will probably take place.

The Orthodox Church of Moldova and other Christian denominations in the country have always had a tense relationship.

h/t www.unimedia.md (for full text of the Metropolitan's letter to Dorin Chirtoaca)
www.protv.md