The Russian Foreign Ministry called Markell's refusal to travel beyond the Holy Fire a "malicious attack."

The refusal of Archbishop Markell of the Moldavian Metropolia of the Russian Orthodox Church to travel beyond the Holy Fire is a malicious attack against the canonical Orthodox Church. This is stated in a statement by the Ambassador-at-large of the Russian Foreign Ministry Gennady Askaldovich.

He also said that Moscow is calling on the international community to assess the actions of the Moldovan government.

"We regard this deliberate step, which has caused a wide negative response in Moldova itself and beyond, as another manifestation of the anti-popular course of the Moldovan rulers, their policy of double standards. There is no doubt that there is a malicious attack against the canonical Orthodox Church of Moldova," he said.

The ambassador drew attention to the fact that about 70% of Moldovans are Orthodox. He noted that what happened to the priest can be described as an attempt to violate the unity of the Orthodox faith in the republic, she added.Газета.Ru ".

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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. 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 Markell took place near the airport: participants of the rally came out with posters "We are waiting for the Holy Fire at home!".