Bessarabian Metropolis Representatives Support Efforts to Promote Harmonious Family Relationships

Thanks to EU assistance, 10 representatives of the Metropolis of Bessarabia participated in the "Violence in the Family and Combatting Gender Stereotypes in the Orthodox Light" training of trainers program, held in Chișinău on 17 - 18 February. The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge of priests so they can contribute more effectively to efforts in preventing and combating domestic violence. The event was organized by the Social Mission "Diaconia" as part of the "EU4GenderEquality: Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence" regional programme (Phase II), funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women Moldova and UNFPA Moldova. 

During the session, trainers from Romania, Father Ciprian-Ion Ioniță, Patriarchal Advisor, and Claudia Predut, an expert in human trafficking prevention, led an insightful discussion on the role of the Orthodox Church’s teachings in tackling domestic violence and promoting gender equality. The session also addressed and debunked common misconceptions surrounding religion and domestic abuse.

In addition, the event highlighted international best practices where religious communities have played a pivotal role in preventing violence against women and offering support to those affected. In this context, participants learned more about social services to which victims and survivors of domestic violence could be referred, with guidance provided/in a session facilitated by a representative from the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

According to Father Andrei Apetrei from Cahul, the Church plays a crucial role in promoting harmony and balance in society and the family, based on Christian teachings on the equal dignity of men and women. "The Church’s involvement in promoting family harmony and combating domestic violence is not just a social choice, but a profound responsibility, grounded in the teachings of the Holy Gospel and the Tradition of the Holy Fathers. The Christian family must be an icon of the love between Christ and the Church, and any form of violence or domination contradicts this vision," noted Father Apetrei.

"It’s essential to understand that violence solves nothing. If people lived in peace, this course would not be necessary," stated Father Radu Storoja from the Church of St. Hierarch Nicholas in Chișinău. "I can say with certainty, and I’m sure my colleagues would agree, that this is an excellent initiative. The opportunity to learn from specialists who know far more than we do in this field is invaluable," he added.

As a result of the training of trainers program, priests are expected to carry out a series of community-level activities and initiatives. Five such activities took place already in Cimișlia, Causeni, Chisinau, Stauceni, and Stefan Voda, where several priests engaged with churchgoers of different ages, discussing the role of the Church within a community and the importance of promoting respectful, harmonious family relationships.

Earlier, the project "Love for One’s Neighbor: The Role of Religious Communities in Preventing Domestic Violence in Rural Communities" brought together over 90 religious leaders, experts in women's rights protection and child protection, as well as representatives of central authorities from Moldova and philanthropy organizations, including from Romania.