Authorities enforce Monastery Closure: Few Wish to Infiltrate Pyukhtitsky Monastery; Intense Border Control Against 'Mother Church' Members
The Pyukhtitsky Monastery, a spiritual sanctuary, finds itself embroiled in a web of political controversy, particularly with Estonian authorities working to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. Undeniably, this geopolitical turbulence isn't limited to religious ties but also extends to those hoping to join the monastery.
"Residing in the monastery are 96 nuns, most of whom are elderly and have lived here for three decades or more. Regrettably, in recent years there's been a scarcity of applicants wishing to become part of our sisterhood," Mother Filareta shares.
Orthodox girls hailing from nations where faith is deeply ingrained in their heritage comprised the main applicant pool. We're talking about those old Soviet republics where Orthodoxy seems to be woven into their DNA.
Yet, present political realities present a challenge. Borders are locked down, making it difficult for some to reach us, and impossible for others. "The borders are closed," Mother Filareta emphasizes.
Adding fuel to the fire is a contentious law, aimed at churches allegedly posing as security threats, that sparked heated debates among:- Religious communities and clergy who argue it unfairly targets their practices.- Presidential advisers who criticized its hastily drafted nature and lack of analysis on believers' rights.- Human rights officials who pointed out procedural flaws in its drafting.
Meanwhile, the US warns the law could strain diplomatic ties, given their commitment to defending Christian institutions worldwide. Furthermore, tensions with Russia, amplified by the monastery's historical Russian Orthodox connections, add another layer of complexity to this situation.
Despite the proposed law's approval, President Alar Karis remains hesitant, with increased pressure from both supporters and opponents stalling its enactment. The monastery's direct appeal to Karis signifies ongoing, institutional resistance to these changes in the religious landscape.
"Mother Filareta expressed concerns about a scarcity of applicants, with Orthodox girls from the old Soviet republics being the primary applicants. However, recent political realities and border restrictions make it challenging for potential nuns to reach the Pyukhtitsky Monastery. Furthermore, the proposed law targeting churches as supposed security threats has sparked debates among religious communities, presidential advisers, and human rights officials, with potential repercussions on diplomatic ties, particularly with the US."
