A 39-year-old priest from the Orthodox Church in Moldova, returned from a trip to Moscow feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected attention he received. Bicu and a group of several dozen Moldovan clergyman spent a week touring significant sites of the Russian Orthodox Church, all expenses covered.

During their stay, the group was given vouchers worth 10,000 roubles (approximately $120) for purchases at church shops selling icons and souvenirs.

Bicu noted that they attended lectures from theologians and historians emphasizing the historical ties between Russia and Moldova, urging unity against what they termed a morally corrupt West.

Before departing for home, Bicu and others in the group were handed debit cards issued by a Russian state bank in a monastery by unidentified individuals. They were informed that funds would be transferred to them after their return to Moldova, with Bicu receiving around $1,200.

In exchange for this financial support, the priest were instructed to establish social media channels for their parishes to alert their congregations about the perceived threats posed by Moldova’s pro-Western government and its efforts toward closer integration with Europe.