Bishop Markell commented on the disruption of his flight from Moldova to Israel

"Satanic forces" are rampaging even on holy days. On April 18, Archbishop Markell of Balti and Falesti commented in an interview with Izvestia on the situation when the Moldovan police again prevented his flight from Chisinau to Israel.

"Satanic forces are rampaging, not hiding even on such holy days as Good Friday. God is their judge, I forgive everyone on my own. But on my own behalf, I urge everyone to keep their Christian calm, especially on these holy days," he said.

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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.

The next day, the archbishop attempted a second flight and said that on the way to the airport, his car was constantly stopped by the police. After that, the clergyman was not allowed to fly out of Chisinau for the second time. At the same time, an action in support of the archbishop took place near the airport: participants of the rally came out with posters "We are waiting for the Holy Fire at home!"