By Efi Efthimiou
The Estonian authorities’ efforts to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate on Orthodox Estonians are advancing swiftly.
In this context, Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia, in a statement published on the official website of the Orthodox Church of Estonia (under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate), strongly condemned the ideology of the “Russkiy Mir” (Russian World). He described it as “provocative, expansionist, and fundamentally un-Christian.” Metropolitan Stephanos emphasized that “the root of the current problem was not created by the Estonian people or the Estonian state, but by the Patriarch of Moscow.”
Metropolitan Stephanos emphasized that the Moscow Patriarchate has promoted and supported the highly dangerous ethno-nationalist ideology of the Russkiy Mir, which has direct implications for the Church of Estonia. “The state has made it clear that it does not intend to halt the religious life of the parishes but calls for a cessation of communion with Moscow,” the Metropolitan explained.
This statement refers to a bill currently under discussion in the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), initiated by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia, which seeks to amend the law on churches and religious associations.
According to a statement by the Orthodox Church of Estonia, the proposed legislation is “not aimed at restricting religious freedom, but at strengthening national security.”
The Orthodox Church of Estonia further stated: “On March 27, 2024, Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), called for a ‘Holy War’—a confrontation against the Western world, which he portrayed as being under the influence of ‘Satanism’. This signifies an aggressive stance toward the values of the European sphere.
In the Patriarch’s words, Ukraine should be part of the so-called Russkiy Mir (‘Russian World’), and the entire former territory of the Soviet Union—including Estonia—should fall within the Russian Federation’s sphere of influence. This constitutes a message to the Orthodox faithful of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia that their country is a hostile state, currently targeted in a ‘Holy War’.”
The Orthodox Church of Estonia stresses that the Estonian state has a responsibility to protect its population from the influence of a regime that promotes terrorism.
On May 6, 2024, the Estonian Parliament officially designated the Moscow Patriarchate as an organization supporting military aggression. Citing security concerns, Estonian police refused to renew the temporary residence permit of Metropolitan Eugene of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Diocese in Estonia in February. As a result, the Metropolitan was forced to leave the country.
For three consecutive years, both the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service and the State Security Service have highlighted the threat posed by the Moscow Patriarchate in their annual reports.
“The instruments of Russian influence still active in the Baltic states include the local churches affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, which continue to follow directives from the Russian leadership and intelligence services,” states the Foreign Intelligence Service in its most recent report.
“To exert pressure on the Baltic states, Russia continues to disseminate historical distortions and launch international smear campaigns alleging persecution of Orthodox believers. Under the guise of defending Orthodoxy and traditional values, it attempts to mobilize influencers who spread Russian propaganda.”
In an official announcement, the Orthodox Church of Estonia clarifies that the bill currently under parliamentary discussion concerns amendments to the Law on Churches and Religious Associations.
Once enacted, the law would prohibit the activities of any religious organization led by individuals or associations under significant foreign influence if it is deemed to pose a threat to Estonia’s national security, constitutional or public order, or if it supports military aggression, incites war, promotes terrorism, or encourages the unlawful use of force or violence.
“In the present context, such organizations in Estonia include the Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia, the Pühtitsa Convent, and the parish of Aleksandr Nevsky in Tallinn—all of which remain directly subordinate to the Patriarch of Moscow,” the Orthodox Church of Estonia notes.
During the drafting process of the bill, the Legal Committee of the Estonian Parliament convened an expanded meeting, inviting various stakeholders—including representatives of the Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and theological experts—in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The bill has already passed its first reading in Parliament.
In response to the unfolding situation, Metropolitan Stephanos proposed the formation of a vicariate under the canonical jurisdiction of the Apostolic Orthodox Church of Estonia for the Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia. This arrangement would offer canonical protection to the Russian-speaking Orthodox community through the Estonian Church.
“I told our Russian brothers that I have no intention of subordinating their Church to ours,” Metropolitan Stephanos emphasized.
Under this proposed structure, the bishops of the current Moscow Patriarchate Diocese in Estonia would commemorate Metropolitan Stephanos of Estonia, rather than Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, during the Divine Liturgy. They would also, when possible, concelebrate services with Metropolitan Stephanos.
At the same time, Russian-speaking parishes would retain their liturgical and ecclesiastical traditions, as was the case prior to World War II. The implementation of this plan would also restore Eucharistic communion within Estonia—something the Moscow Patriarchate unilaterally severed in 2019.
Explaining the motivation behind his proposal, Metropolitan Stephanos stated: “Despite the difficult and complex period that Orthodox Christians in Estonia are currently facing, an opportunity has emerged to seek reconciliation together and to build a future in which, while remaining faithful to our ecclesiastical principles and foundations, all Orthodox in Estonia can live together in peace and love.”
Estonian Supreme Court Rejects New Appeal by Moscow-Affiliated Church Against Security Bill
The Estonian Supreme Court has once again rejected an appeal filed by the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK) against a decision of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) aimed at limiting the influence of foreign-controlled religious organizations.
This latest appeal was submitted by the Russian Pühtitsa Convent—also known as the Kuremäe Convent—located in Ida-Viru County. The convent, along with the Moscow-affiliated Church, challenged the Estonian government’s earlier declaration that placed them on the list of organizations supporting the Russian Federation’s military aggression.
Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, has prompted Estonian authorities to scrutinize and restrict the activities of institutions associated with the Moscow Patriarchate, which they regard as an instrument of Kremlin influence.
Lawyers representing the convent and the Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia characterized the legal action as an expression of “disagreement” with the government’s classification. However, the Supreme Court upheld the state’s position, reinforcing the measures aimed at safeguarding national security.
