History and tradition

The presence of Romanians and of the Romanian Orthodox tradition in the territories that are now part of Ukraine has deep historical roots. Particularly in Northern Bukovina, the Hertsa region, and Southern Bessarabia - parts of the former Principality of Moldavia, Romanian communities have preserved a rich religious and cultural life over the centuries. The Church represented one of the principal landmarks of Romanian identity and of the continuity of local communities. Numerous churches and religious establishments were built, maintained, and developed through the contributions of Romanian believers and in connection with Romanian ecclesiastical structures.

Beginning in 1940, in the context of the Soviet occupation and territorial changes, the Romanian church communities in these territories were separated from the organizational structure of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The change in ecclesiastical jurisdiction was accompanied by profound transformations in social, cultural, and religious life. During the Soviet period, the faith was subjected to strong pressure. Nevertheless, Romanian communities continued to preserve the Orthodox tradition, and in numerous parishes the Romanian language continued to be used in worship. The Church thus became a space of spiritual resistance and the preservation of identity.