The Russian Orthodox Church called the archbishop's detention in Chisinau a violation of religious freedom.

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has declared a violation of religious freedom in connection with the detention of Archbishop Markel of Balti and Falesti, who was on his way to Israel for the Holy Fire. This is stated in a statement published on April 18 on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church.

"We consider this incident as a gross violation of religious freedom, an example of a discriminatory policy aimed at lawlessly restricting the rights of believers of the Orthodox Church of Moldova," the statement says.

As indicated in the Russian Orthodox Church, the actions of the authorities were not accompanied by official explanations, and as a result, millions of believers in Moldova may lose the opportunity to meet the Holy Fire in their churches and monasteries.

The Russian Orthodox Church called for an investigation into the incident, as well as for the identification and punishment of those responsible for violating the rights of Archbishop Markel.

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Bishop Markel, who was on his way to Israel for the Holy Fire, told Izvestia on April 17 that he had been detained at passport control at Chisinau airport and his documents had been seized without explanation. As the priest pointed out, all this was done purposefully so that he would not catch the flight.