The urgent need for dialogue “as the only way to restore unity between the fraternal Orthodox Churches” was emphasized by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem in a recent letter.
These remarks came in response to a letter from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, who issued official appeals to the Primates of the Orthodox Churches, condemning a bill passed by the Estonian Parliament. The bill effectively calls for the severance of ties between the Estonian Orthodox Church and the Moscow Patriarchate.
In particular, Patriarch Theophilos expressed his deep concern regarding the recent legislative amendments in Estonia. “We are closely following the developments in Estonia,” he noted in his letter. “Here in Jerusalem, we know well what it means to violate religious freedom.”
The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem stressed that the situation in Estonia highlights the pressing need for unity among the leaders of the Orthodox Church. “We firmly believe that dialogue remains the only way to achieve true peace and to restore unity between the fraternal Orthodox Churches,” he stated.
Patriarch Theophilos also reiterated the commitment of the Jerusalem Patriarchate to support the faithful in Estonia as much as possible. “We are ready to offer all possible assistance to our brothers and sisters in Estonia,” he affirmed.
Concluding his letter, he expressed hope for the restoration of Orthodox unity: “We pray that in the near future, our Holy Orthodox Church will return to its full unity.”
It is worth recalling that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem had already issued an official statement on April 30, 2025, via its website, denouncing the Estonian Parliament’s bill.
The Russian Orthodox Church also reacted strongly, rejecting as “groundless” the bill’s claim that “the bond of the Orthodox Christians of Estonia with the Moscow Patriarchate poses a threat to the security of the Estonian state, its constitutional status, and public order.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
