Orthodox Church of Estonia: We need security and unity

TALLINN - The Orthodox Church of Estonia (EAÕK) emphasized, in connection with the bill amending the Churches and Congregations Act passed by the Riigikogu on Wednesday, that peace and love are the foundation of Christian action.

The EAÕK is calling on all parties -- the state and its representatives, the clergy and congregations of both the Orthodox Church of Estonia and the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EKÕK, formerly MPEÕK), as well as the member churches of the Estonian Council of Churches more broadly -- to engage in cooperation and mutual understanding.

"Our goal is to ensure that Estonia becomes a safer place for all its inhabitants, while also preserving freedom of religion and respect for different religious traditions. The EAÕK includes congregations that follow both the Estonian and Russian Orthodox traditions. Most congregations use the Estonian language in liturgies and other services and rituals, but there are also congregations that primarily use Church Slavonic, alongside some use of Estonian. The amendment to the law does not require changing the tradition of worship, let alone a 'conversion' of faith, as some critics have suggested. The primary intent of the amendment is to prevent the influence of hostile states or extremist organizations through religious bodies, thereby strengthening the security of our country." the EAÕK said.

Metropolitan Stephanos of the EAÕK has offered the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EKÕK, formerly MPEÕK), the possibility of a vicariate status, should it break off its subordinate relationship with Moscow. In this case, a vicariate would mean an independent church unit, with its senior bishop acknowledging the EAÕK's metropolitan and remaining in communion with the global Orthodox Church through him. Otherwise, the vicariate would maintain its own traditions, use Church Slavonic, and independently manage its internal life.  

"The law change also helps restore the situation that existed in Estonia before the World War II, when people of different nationalities served together in harmony and brotherly love in a unified Orthodox Church that canonically belonged to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Historically, Estonia has been part of the territory of the Ecumenical Patriarchate -- except during times when Russia conquered Estonia and incorporated it," the EAÕK's statement reads.

"We are guided in this process of seeking harmony by the words of Holy Scripture: 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5:9, KJV) and also by the exhortation of the Apostle Paul, which is especially relevant in today’s world: 'Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.' (Romans 12:10, KJV) Now, as we approach Holy Week, which in spirit takes us to the Resurrection through the institution of the Last Supper, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and the Crucifixion, it is appropriate to bring the true essence of the Christian faith to the forefront: 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.' (Mark 12:31, KJV)" the EAÕK said.

The Orthodox Church of Estonia calls on all parties to approach this matter with calmness and understanding, so that together they can create a safer and more unified Estonia. The topic of the Orthodox Church concerns approximately a tenth of Estonia's population, some of whom belong to the Orthodox Church of Estonia and some to the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church.