Ministry of Interior and Orthodox Church in Estonia Outline Steps to Eliminate Moscow Patriarchate Influence

Official Church Website and OCP News Service – 04/08/2024

Tallinn- Estonia: On July 30,2024, representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, and legal firm Sirel & Partners convened to discuss strategies for reducing and eventually eliminating the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate on Estonian Orthodox Church. The meeting focused on reviewing past activities and planning future steps, with a clear schedule of actions agreed upon.

Raivo Küüt, representing the Ministry of the Interior, emphasized the state’s expectation of a complete canonical and legal separation of Estonian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate. He assured that religious freedom would be upheld, and there would be no intention to close churches or hinder congregational activities during this process. “Religious freedom is guaranteed and services will continue,” Küüt affirmed.

Estonian Orthodox Church proposed a two-stage process for disassociation. The first stage involves amending the current statutes to remove references to the operational statutes of the Russian Orthodox Church, retaining only the reference to the 1993 Tomos. The second stage will initiate consultations with the Estonian Apostolic-Orthodox Church to explore the unification of all Estonian Orthodox under a single church.

The law firm Sirel & Partners, representing both Estonian Orthodox Church and the Assumption Stavropigial Monastery of Pühtitsa, discussed the specifics of untying the monastery from the Moscow Patriarchate. The Ministry of the Interior expressed its willingness to address issues related to the monastery separately, acknowledging its unique status.

Steven-Hristo Evestus, attorney-at-law at Sirel & Partners, emphasized the importance of ensuring religious freedom and maintaining a constructive dialogue. “Our goal is to find peaceful solutions with the state to continue coexistence and ensure freedom of religion,” Evestus stated.

By the end of August, Estonian Orthodox Church will submit specific proposals for statute amendments and a schedule for implementation. The Ministry of the Interior will review these proposals and formulate its position by the end of September. Additionally, Estonian Orthodox Church will arrange a meeting with the Estonian Apostolic-Orthodox Church to prepare a roadmap for the second stage of disassociation. Separate agreements will be made regarding the monastery.

The meeting underscored the commitment of all parties to work cooperatively and ensure that the process respects both church and civil laws while maintaining religious freedom and peace within the community.

Source:

OCP News Service