Representatives of the Metropolis of Bessarabia took part in consultations with the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova regarding the reduction of plastic funeral wreaths, which are highly polluting.
The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Ministry’s headquarters and was attended by Fr. Maxim Melinti, Cultural Advisor to the Archdiocese of Chișinău, and Fr. Andrei Percic, parish priest of the “Saint Alexander of Svir” Church in the city of Cricova.
During the discussions, participants highlighted both the environmental benefits and the spiritual value of replacing artificial wreaths with natural ones.
Clergy of the Metropolis of Bessarabia emphasized that this initiative aligns with Orthodox Church teaching and expresses respect for God’s creation.
Minister of Environment Sergiu Lazarencu stated: “It is necessary to act together so that people become aware of the negative effects of these artificial wreaths on the environment and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives.”
The proposal by the Metropolis of Bessarabia aligns with the Ministry’s goal of reducing pollution caused by plastic wreaths, which are slow to degrade and pose serious waste management issues in cemeteries across the country.
A representative of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Metropolis of Chișinău also attended the meeting. The clergy agreed to support the issuance of an ecclesiastical circular encouraging the use of natural flowers at funeral services.
Photo: mediu.gov.md