According to some reports, the Republic of Moldova is the most religious country in Europe. Although according to the Constitution it is a secular state. In whom and how do they believe in Moldova? What religion is dominant 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 on only two countries - Romania and Ukraine. In the south it has access to the Danube River. Moldova includes the autonomous entity of Gagauzia, as well as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (de facto, an independent unrecognized state).
Today, about 3.5 million people live in the country, including the population of the PMR. These are Moldovans, Russians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Gagauz, Poles, Greeks. The Republic of Moldova is one of the three poorest countries in Europe. In view of the exceptional scarcity of mineral resources, industry is poorly developed. The main we alth of Moldova is land. Everything is grown herewhat can be grown in temperate latitudes (from wheat and corn to strawberries and tobacco). The main state exports are wine and agricultural products.
In ancient times, the religious beliefs of Moldovans were closely connected with the cult of the bull (or tur). This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds, in particular, clay figurines of this animal, which are dated by scientists to the III-IV millennium BC. Much later, Christian ideas penetrated here. What is the main religion in Moldova today?
Religious Diversity of the Country
The Republic of Moldova is rightfully considered one of the most religious 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 Metropolis of the Romanian Orthodox Church and the Moldovan-Chisinau Metropolis, which belongs 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 45,000 Moldovans identify themselves as atheists and unbelievers.
Besides this, communities of Molokans, Old Believers, Hare Krishnas and Mormons are registered in the country. The Jewish community is small, synagogues operate in only four cities(Chisinau, B alti, Soroca 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 continue to go to church. The following dates can be attributed to the largest Orthodox holidays in the country:
- Christmas (January 7);
- Baptism of the Lord (January 19);
- Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (April 7);
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (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 starts 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. In each temple, a service is held, at the end of which the priest consecrates the dishes brought by the parishioners. According to tradition, the Easter basket should contain colored eggs, Easter cakes, "babki" (sweet noodle casseroles), s alt and sugar.
Moldovan monasteries and shrines
Religion in Moldova is given great attention. In each village, there is always one (or even more) temple. Another distinctive feature of the Moldovan villages is the so-called "trinity". These are worship crosses under a round roof (most often wooden), lavishly decorated with sculptures and metal chasing. At the feet of Christ, as a rule, “passionateimplements” (carpentry tool, ladder and thirty pieces of silver).
On the territory of tiny Moldova, there are at least 50 monasteries. The largest and most famous among them are Curchi, Capriana, Hincu, Frumoas, Calarasheuk, Rud, Japka, Saharna and Tsypovo.
The most important monument of Moldavian sacral architecture is Curchi Monastery. This is a complex of buildings in the classical and neo-Byzantine style, built at the end of the 18th 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 is inhabited in the rocks above Reut: the monk Yefim lives here. Candles are constantly burning in the underground church and there are almost always believers and tourists.
