Jerusalem-based Appeal for Support requested by EPCC

Revamped Dispatch: EOCC Seeks Solace in Jerusalem's Embrace

The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EOCC) recently dispatched a delegation, led by Metropolitan Eugene, to Jerusalem, after facing a turbulent phase back home. The visit comes amidst a standoff with Estonia's authorities over the church's affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate.

The burning issue of Estonia's legislation demanding the EOCC to sever ties with Moscow was the crux of the discussions held with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine.

Metropolitan Evgeny shed light on the matter, explaining that the law to compel a split with Moscow has yet to be enforced, as it is yet to be officially endorsed by the President of Estonia. He reasoned that the proposed amendments contravene three articles of the Constitution, as per the President's stance.

His Beatitude, the Primate of the Church of Jerusalem, commended the President's prudence in tackling such sensitive issues for Estonian society. He further pointed out that the European Union, like other States, ensures a clear separation between the state and the church, and the state should not encroach upon church affairs. However, In Estonia, this principle seems to have been overlooked, as the state government has allegedly breached international law by interfering in the church's matters.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed support for the EOCC's endeavors to safeguard its legitimate rights within Estonia and the European Union, as stated in the church's official communique.

The EOCC’s current predicament is rooted in Estonia’s tightened church law aimed at curbing foreign influence. The newly enacted legislation, passed in April 2025, mandates religious organizations to restructure their governance and cut foreign affiliations within two months, primarily targeting the Moscow Patriarchate’s involvement in perceived support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Striving to avoid dissolution while resisting subordination to Constantinople, which already governs Estonia’s Autonomous Orthodox Church, the EOCC might be exploring alternate ecclesiastical alliances. Such a move would offer a middle path, preserving spiritual independence while distancing from Moscow. However, the church’s exact motives for seeking Jerusalem’s backing remain speculative, as detailed in the available sources. avoid legal dissolution, preserve spiritual independence, and geopolitical distancing are among the key motivations underpinning the EOCC's quest for external support.

The President of Estonia's stance on the proposed legislation that contravenes three articles of the Constitution could potentially delay the enactment of the law that requires the Estonian Orthodox Church (EOCC) to sever ties with Moscow.
The visit of the EOCC delegation to Jerusalem, led by Metropolitan Eugene, is an attempt to seek support from other religious leaders, such as His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine, in the face of Estonia's authorities interfering in the church's affairs.
The policy and legislation of the Estonian government, which allegedly breaches international law by interfering in the church's matters, has led to a standoff with the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EOCC) over its affiliation with the Moscow Patriarchate.
The European Union, being mindful of the separation between the state and the church, would likely expect the Estonian government to refrain from interfering in church affairs, as this principle is crucial in maintaining general news related to politics and legislation.