On June 17, 2025, an official delegation from the Republic of Moldova, together with representatives of Ukrainian civil society, held a high-level meeting in Kyiv with His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
This significant event strengthened the spiritual and humanitarian partnership between Ukraine and Moldova, taking place amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale aggression against Ukraine and attempts by the Russian Orthodox Church to justify war through religious narratives.
Delegation Members
The Moldovan-Ukrainian delegation included:
- Sergii Stetsiuk, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Dnipro, lawyer, entrepreneur, and founder of the charitable foundation Ukrainian Horizons – initiator of the visit;
- Yana Golub, public figure and philanthropist, spouse of the Honorary Consul;
- Valeriu Chiveri, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Moldova to Ukraine;
- Galina Chiveri, active contributor to cultural and humanitarian initiatives;
- Mykhailo Kunytskyi, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Vinnytsia;
- Iryna Kunytska, philanthropist, spouse of the Honorary Consul;
- Cristian Iordachi, Second Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Ukraine.
Key Topics Discussed
During the meeting, participants addressed several vital topics:
- The impact of Russian military aggression on Ukraine;
- The use of religious manipulation by the Russian Orthodox Church;
- Threats to religious freedom in both Ukraine and Moldova;
- The role of the Church in spiritual resistance, information integrity, and cultural identity;
- Support for Ukrainian soldiers, including military chaplaincy, rehabilitation programs, and faith-based social services;
- Future perspectives for inter-church cooperation and humanitarian diplomacy.
Remarks by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanius
Metropolitan Epiphanius emphasized that the war is not only physical but spiritual. He highlighted the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s role as a source of hope, moral strength, and national unity, helping Ukrainians withstand the challenges of war.
Statements from Moldovan Representatives
Ambassador Valeriu Chiveri reaffirmed the shared European values uniting Ukraine and Moldova and expressed gratitude to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine for its principled and supportive position during the conflict.
Honorary Consul Sergii Stetsiuk emphasized the significance of spiritual solidarity, stating that supporting the spiritual front is as critical as humanitarian or economic aid. He highlighted the Church’s role as a moral compass and a voice for national dignity.
Honorary Consul Mykhailo Kunytskyi stressed the historic value of religious and humanitarian cooperation between Moldova and Ukraine. He noted that such partnerships are crucial in preserving spiritual identity and promoting peace in the region.
Outcome and Future Cooperation
The meeting concluded in a warm and constructive atmosphere. Delegates exchanged symbolic gifts and confirmed their readiness to strengthen interfaith dialogue, diplomatic engagement, and civil society cooperation for the sake of peace, spiritual revival, and a resilient European future.
