According to some reports, the Republic of Moldova is the most religious country in Europe. Although the Constitution is a secular state. In whom and how do they believe in Moldova? What religion prevails here? Who is more here - Catholics, Orthodox or Protestants? You will find answers to all these questions in our article.
General information about Moldova: population, religion, history, economy
The Republic of Moldova is a small state in the southeastern part of Europe, which borders only two countries - Romania and Ukraine. In the south it has access to the Danube River. The structure of Moldova includes the autonomous formation of Gagauzia, as well as the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic (de facto - an independent unrecognized state).
Today, about 3.5 million people live in the country, including the population of Transdniestria. These are Moldovans, Russians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Gagauzians, Poles, Greeks. The Republic of Moldova is one of the three poorest countries in Europe. Due to the exceptional scarcity of mineral resources, industry is poorly developed. The main wealth of Moldova is the land. It grows everything that can be grown in temperate latitudes (from wheat and corn - to strawberries and tobacco). The main articles of state export are wine and agricultural products.
In ancient times, the religious beliefs of Moldavians were closely associated with the cult of the bull (or tour). This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds, in particular clay figurines of this animal, which are dated by scientists III-IV thousand BC. Much later, Christian ideas penetrated here. What religion is the main religion in Moldova today?
Religious diversity of the country
The Republic of Moldova is rightfully considered one of the most faithful countries in Europe. The main religion of Moldova is Orthodoxy. According to various sources, from 93 to 98% of the inhabitants of this country profess it.
On the territory of Moldova there are two Orthodox jurisdictions - the Bessarabian Metropolitanate of the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Moldovan-Chisinau Metropolis, belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate. The latter is much more numerous.
Among other religions in Moldova are also common:
- Protestantism (about 100 thousand believers);
- Catholicism (20 thousand);
- Jehovah's Witnesses (20 thousand);
- Judaism (5-10 thousand);
- Islam (no more than 15 thousand people).
Another 45 thousand Moldavians consider themselves atheists and unbelievers.
In addition, communities of Molokans, Old Believers, Hare Krishnas, and Mormons are registered in the country. The Jewish community is small, synagogues operate only in four cities (Chisinau, Balti, Soroka and Orhei).
Major religious holidays
In Moldova, religion is incredibly firmly woven into the daily life and culture of its inhabitants. Even those Moldovans who consider themselves atheists still go to church. The largest Orthodox holidays in the country include the following dates:
- Nativity of Christ (January 7);
- Baptism of the Lord (January 19);
- The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (April 7);
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 28);
- Easter;
- Palm Sunday (one week before Easter);
- Holy Trinity Day (on the 50th day after Easter).
The main religious holiday in Moldova is Easter. Traditionally, it begins at midnight. Every year on Easter night, the Holy Fire is brought to Chisinau from Jerusalem, which is then distributed to all the churches and monasteries of the country. A service is held in each church, at the end of which a priest consecrates dishes brought by parishioners. By tradition, the Easter basket should have colored eggs, cakes, grandmothers (sweet noodle casseroles), salt and sugar.
Moldavian monasteries and shrines
Religion in Moldova pays great attention. In each village, one (or even more) temple is necessarily functioning. Another distinguishing feature of Moldavian villages is the so-called “trinity”. These are worship crosses under a round roof (most often wooden), generously decorated with sculptures and metal coinage. At the feet of Christ, as a rule, “passionate tools” (carpentry tools, stairs and thirty pieces of silver) are depicted.
On the territory of tiny Moldova, there are at least 50 monasteries. The largest and most famous among them are Kurk, Kapriyana, Hinku, Frumoas, Keleraheuk, Rud, Zhapka, Sakharna and Tsypovo.
The most important monument of Moldavian sacred architecture is the Monastery of Kurk. This is a complex of buildings in the classical and Neo-Byzantine style, built at the end of the XVIII century. Today it is one of the main tourist attractions in Moldova.
No less interesting is the cave monastery in Old Orhei. According to one version, it was founded in the XII century. Today the monastery in the rocks above Reut is inhabited: the monk Yefim lives here. In the underground church candles are constantly burning and almost always there are believers and tourists.