Estonia Mandates Severing of Ties Between Orthodox Church and Moscow Patriarchate

OCP News Service – 10/04/2025

Tallinn- Estonia:  In a move aimed at safeguarding national security, the Estonian parliament (Riigikogu), on April 09, 2025, overwhelmingly passed amendments to the Church and Congregations Act, effectively mandating the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (ECOC) to sever its canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.

The legislation, approved in its third reading with 60 votes in favor and 13 against, prohibits any religious institution operating in Estonia from being subordinate to or maintaining connections with governing bodies located in countries deemed a threat to Estonia’s national security, public order, or constitutional framework. The law also explicitly forbids ties with individuals or entities allegedly promoting war, terrorism, violence, or supporting military aggression.

This new law directly targets the ECOC, formerly known as the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, requiring it to fully cut its canonical links with the Moscow Patriarchate and the wider Russian Orthodox Church. The ECOC will need to implement significant changes to its statutes and cease all cooperation with its headquarters in Moscow.

Failure to comply with the new legislation could result in severe consequences. Estonia’s Minister of the Interior will be empowered to petition the court for the dissolution of any ECOC legal entities found to be in violation of the law.

The passage of this law comes shortly after a court approved the ECOC’s request to change its name on March 24, 2025. Despite this name change, Estonian authorities proceeded with the amendments, indicating a clear intent to address the Church’s historical and spiritual affiliation with Moscow.

The Estonian Orthodox Church has expressed strong opposition to the new legislation. In a press release issued on April 9, 2025, the Church stated that the amendments are “specifically aimed” against them and the Pühtitsa Convent, despite their long-standing adherence to Estonian law and contributions to society.

The Church lamented the lack of “meaningful discussion” following an initial political statement by the Minister of the Interior six months prior. They also criticized what they described as a “carefully prepared and coordinated media campaign” that presented a one-sided view of the situation.

Expressing concerns over the restriction of religious freedom, the ECOC announced its intention to appeal the law to the President and the Chancellor of the Right, as well as international organizations, emphasizing the universal nature of religious freedom.

Despite their opposition, the ECOC affirmed their commitment to continue serving their parishes, stating, “We will continue to serve in our parishes. If we entrust ourselves to the Lord and seek the will of God in our lives without grumbling and despondency, then the Lord will not leave us without His help and will help us survive all trials.”

The Estonian government maintains that the law is a necessary measure to protect national security in the current geopolitical climate. The implementation of this law will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, particularly in the context of religious freedom and state-church relations.

Source:

OCP News Service