Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets with Estonian Orthodox Church Delegation Amidst Legal Concerns

DECR and OCP News Service – 03/05/2025

Jerusalem-Holy Land: His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine, received a delegation from the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church on May 1, 2025. The delegation was led by its Primate, Metropolitan Eugenius of Tallinn and All Estonia, and included Bishop Daniel of Tartu and Priest Viktor Melnik.

During the extensive meeting, Metropolitan Eugenius briefed Patriarch Theophilos III on the current situation and challenges facing the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. Key issues discussed included the Church’s legal status, the predicament of its Primate – who is currently unable to reside in Estonia due to the denial of his residence permit – the Church’s financial standing, and alleged political interference in its affairs. Unfounded accusations suggesting the Church’s representatives pose a security threat to Estonia were also raised.

His Beatitude displayed deep concern and interest in the circumstances of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. He acknowledged his awareness of the recent amendments to Estonia’s Churches and Parishes Act, a matter on which he had already voiced his opinion in a statement issued the previous day. These amendments, if enacted by the Estonian President, could significantly curtail the rights of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church and potentially lead to its closure.

Metropolitan Eugenius clarified that the law has not yet been signed by the President, who reportedly believes the proposed changes contradict three articles of the Estonian Constitution. Patriarch Theophilos commended the President’s cautious approach to such sensitive issues within Estonian society. He emphasized that in all European Union states, a clear separation exists between the state and the Church, asserting that state interference in church life, as appears to be occurring in Estonia, violates international law. The Patriarch of Jerusalem pledged his support for the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church’s efforts to defend its legal rights within Estonia’s legal framework and the European Union.

Expressing his profound concern for Orthodox Christians in Estonia, Patriarch Theophilos also spoke with sorrow about the suffering of Christians in Gaza, Palestine, Ukraine, and Syria. He urged resilience in the face of trials, reminding the delegation that the Church has endured numerous challenges throughout its two-millennia history, as forewarned by the Lord. He called for increased prayer and assured them of his prayerful support, citing the enduring history of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church as an example of perseverance through changing empires.

Bishop Evgeny underscored the pivotal role of the Jerusalem Church as the spiritual Mother of all Churches and the high authority of its Patriarch within the global Orthodox community. In response, His Beatitude highlighted the Holy Land’s significance as a spiritual center for all believers and the importance of pilgrimage to Jerusalem for strengthening faith and spiritual fortitude.

Metropolitan Eugenius expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Theophilos for his consistent stance and the unwavering support provided by the Jerusalem Patriarchate to the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. He also thanked him for the opportunity to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Life-Giving Sepulcher of the Lord and to venerate the holy sites. Patriarch Theophilos assured Metropolitan Eugenius and his flock that they would always be welcome in the Holy Land.

Source:

OCP News Service