Matvienko condemned the detention of an Orthodox bishop in Moldova

Moldovan President Maia Sandu is not respected by the people of his country and their spiritual traditions. This was stated on April 18 by Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, commenting on the disruption of the trip of Archbishop Markell of Balti and Falesti, representing the Archdiocese of Moldova, to Israel for the Holy Fire.

"There is no reason to expect Moldovan President Maia Sandu to start respecting the people of his country, their culture and faith. Sandu's apparent lack of spirituality stems from the nature of her current government — she is the head of the colonial administration imposed on Moldova, the colonial regime," SenatInform quoted her as saying.

According to Matvienko, the colonial regimes, such as the current Moldovan government, are not interested in the spiritual needs of the people. In her opinion, this is precisely why Chisinau has a negative attitude towards the bishop of the Moldovan Metropolis.

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Bishop Markell, 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. There, his documents were seized without explanation. According to the priest, all this was done purposefully so that he would not catch the flight.